There are plenty of things you can do to reduce the amount of dust in your air. Here are seven tips to improve your indoor-air quality while cleaning.
1. Get a More Efficient Furnace Filter
A high-quality furnace filter will catch more dust on the first pass through the system than a lower quality one. Quality is measured by the MERV number often showing on the filter packaging. We recommend a MERV between 7 and 12 for the best filtration results, without risking the restriction of system airflow.
2. Turn the Thermostat to 'Fan-On" Mode During Vacuuming
The agitator on your vacuum is designed to vibrate the carpet to release trapped dust into the air. Most of this dust is pulled in by the suction of the vacuum, but some does bypass the vacuum and end up in the air. Turning your thermostat fan to the "on" position will pull air into the HVAC system where it can be filtered by the furnace filter.
3. Use Electrostatic Dust Collectors
Use a dusting spray or electrostatic cleaning rag to dust. Instead of pushing the dust into the air and reducing indoor-air quality, these materials will attract the dust to your cleaning cloth and trap it there.
4. Get a Good Vacuum
Use a vacuum with a hard surface and carpet mode. Turn off the agitator when you are on hard surfaces to prevent the agitator from sending dust into the air.
5. Take Your Rugs Outside and Give Them a Beating
Rugs collect dust just like carpets. Instead of vacuuming them, take them outside and beat them with a broom to release the dust. Then vacuum them.
6. Clean Your Bedding Frequently
Dust and skin cells build up on your bedding and are released into the air whenever you toss and turn. Wash them once a week or take dry-clean items outside and shake them when you are doing the rugs.
7. Organize Your Closet
Use boxes and garment bags to keep dust from being kicked up every time you open your closet doors.
For even more ways to improve your indoor-air quality, please contact your Fort Wayne area HVAC professionals at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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