Why is my house so dusty?
Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning Services
Sudbury today through our easy-to-use form or call the number below.
Why is my house so dusty?
It’s the middle of summer and you’re trying to enjoy the air conditioning, but it seems like your house is dustier than ever. You might be wondering why this is happening, and what you can do about it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of increased dust levels in your home, and how you can combat them. Stay cool!
Reason #1 – Bad Air Purifiers
The quality of air purifiers can vary significantly, and a low-quality air purifier can actually cause more dust floating in your home. If you’re using an air purifier that’s more than five years old, it’s likely not doing a good job of cleaning the air. Newer models are more effective at capturing dust particles.
Reason #2 – Dirty HVAC and Air Conditioner System
The HVAC system in your home is one of the main sources of dust. Over time, the system can become clogged with dust and other particles, which can cause more dust to be circulated through your home. In addition, air conditioners can also create more dust, as they pull in and filter the air from the outside. If your heating and cooling system and furnace or air conditioner are not properly maintained, they can both contribute to a dustier home.
Reason #3 – Dust Mites Carpets
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells, which means they love to live in carpets. Not only do dust mites create a nuisance by causing allergies, but they can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. If you’re having trouble getting rid of the dust in your home, it might be time to consider replacing your carpets with hardwood floors.
Reason #4 – Not Vacuuming Upholstery
One reason your house may be more dusty than normal is that you’re not vacuuming your upholstery. Dust mites love to live in warm, moist environments, like the cushions on your sofa or the fabric on your chairs. Vacuuming these areas often will help reduce the number of dust particles in your home.
Reason #5 – Pet Dander
If you have pets, then you’re probably familiar with the amount of pet dander they produce. Pet dander is made up of tiny particles of skin that come from animals. These skin cells are loaded with proteins that can cause allergies in some people.
The more pets you have, the more dander they produce, and the more dust your home will have. To combat pet dander, make sure to bathe your pets regularly and keep them well-groomed. You should also vacuum your floors and upholstered furniture frequently to remove any pet hair and dander that’s already in your home.
Reason #6 – Unsealed Doors or Windows
If your doors or windows are not sealed properly, more dust will enter your home. This is because dust particles will be able to easily move in and out of your home. You can test whether your doors and windows are sealed properly by holding a piece of paper against the door or window. If the paper does not move, then the door or window is properly sealed.
If the paper moves, then the door or window needs to be resealed. You can seal your doors and windows yourself with weatherstripping or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Reason #7 – Leaky Ducts and Air Purifiers
Dust particles are more likely to accumulate in your house if there are any leaks in your duct system. Make sure to have your ducts inspected and repaired on a regular basis to prevent dust accumulation. Additionally, you may want to consider purchasing an air purifier to further reduce the amount of dust in your home. Air purifiers and air filters can remove up to 99% of airborne particles, making them an effective way to reduce and collect dust levels in your home.
Reason #8 – Dust Outside the Home
One of the more common reasons for dust in the home is that it is coming in from the outdoors. This can be caused by a number of things, such as poor landscaping around the home, lack of maintenance on roads and sidewalks, or even construction projects in the area. All of these can create a tremendous amount of dust and dirt that can eventually make its way into your home.
To help combat this, be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum around the perimeter of your home, as well as dust any vents or openings that may allow outside air in. You may also want to consider investing in an air purifier for extra protection against airborne contaminants.
Reason #9 -Improper Dusting Cloth
Dust particles are more likely to adhere to a cloth that is wet than one that is dry. That’s why you should never dust your furniture with a wet cloth. The water will make the dust particles adhere to the furniture and when you wipe them off, you’ll just be moving the dust around. Instead, use a dry dusting cloth or a microfiber cloth. These will pick up the dust more effectively and won’t just push it around.
Steps to Reduce Dust in Your Home
1. Wear House-Only Shoes
Wearing house-only shoes will also help to keep your carpets and floors clean. If you have hardwood floors, you can use a doormat or an area rug to help reduce the amount of dust that gets tracked into your home.
2. Stop Dirt at the Doors
One of the best ways to keep dust from entering your home is to stop it at the door. Install a doormat and make sure to wipe your shoes before entering. You can also use a screen door to keep out bugs and debris.
3. Don’t Blow Dust Around
One of the worst things you can do when trying to reduce dust in your home is to blow it around with a fan or air conditioning unit. Not only does this cause more dust to become airborne, but it can also aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. If you need to move dust from one area to another, try using a damp cloth instead.
4. Clean the Air Ducts
One of the main reasons your house might be dusty is because of the air ducts. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, dust and dirt can build up, which will create more dust in your home.
If you have more dust in your home than usual, it might be time to clean the air ducts. This will help to remove any build-up of dust and dirt, which will in turn reduce the amount of dust in your home. You should have your air ducts cleaned at least once a year to keep them free of debris.
5. Control Dust Mites in Your Bedding regularly
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells and can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Dust mites can be controlled by:
- Wash your bed sheets in hot water every week.
- Using a dehumidifier.
- Encasing your mattress and pillows in dust-proof covers.
By taking these steps, you can help to keep dust mites under control and reduce the amount of dust in your home.
6. Vacuum Effectively
One of the easiest ways to fight dust is to vacuum regularly. Make sure to use a vacuum with a good filter and dustbin. Some vacuums also have a special setting for dust control. When vacuuming, take your time and go over the same areas more than once. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as dust likes to hide in these areas.
Another important tip is to vacuum in the right direction. When vacuuming carpets, always vacuum in the direction of the pile. This will help to prevent dust from getting trapped in the carpet fibers. On hardwood floors, you can vacuum in any direction.
Finally, don’t forget to empty your vacuum dustbin after each use. If you don’t, the dust will just get redistributed back into your home.
By following these simple tips, you can help to reduce the amount of dust in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my house from being so dusty?
There are several ways to stop your house from being so dusty. One way is to make sure that you dust regularly and get rid of any dust particles that may be lingering in the air. You can also make sure that your HVAC unit system is clean and functional, as it can help to circulate air and keep the dust at bay.
Finally, you can also try to keep more dust from entering your home in the first place by using doormats and making sure that you don’t track any dirt or dust into the house.
What causes a lot of dust in your house?
Dust is created when small particles of matter come loose and start to float in the air. This can be caused by a lot of things, including pets, smoking, cleaning, and even the weather. Dust can also be stirred up by activities like walking or running.
One of the main sources of dust in your house is your HVAC system. Your furnace and air conditioner circulate dust particles through your home every time they turn on. This is why it’s important to change your HVAC filters regularly.
Another source of dust is your floors. Dust settles on your floors and is then redistributed around your house every time you walk or run. This is why it’s important to vacuum regularly.
How does dust get sucked into your home?
Dust particles are very small and can easily be sucked into your home through the cracks and openings around your doors and windows. In addition, your HVAC system can also draw in more dust particles from the outside air and blow them back into your home. By using a high-quality air filter, you can help reduce the amount of dust that’s circulated throughout your home.
How to ensure you actually have leaking ducts?
If you’re concerned about your home’s dust levels, one of the first things you can do is check your ducts for leaks. Leaking ducts can cause a lot of dust to escape into your home, which can exacerbate allergies and asthma symptoms.
To ensure you actually have leaking ducts, you’ll need to perform a duct leakage test. This test involves sealing all of the ducts in your home and then measuring the air pressure inside. If the pressure is too low, it indicates that there are leaks in your ductwork.
Once you’ve determined that you have leaking ducts, you’ll need to hire a professional to repair them. This isn’t a do-it-yourself job, as it requires special tools and knowledge. However, once the leaks are fixed, you should see a significant reduction in the amount of excess dust in your home.
How to fix leaky ducts?
Leaky ducts are a common source of dust in the home. If your home is dusty, it’s worth checking to see if your ducts are leaking. You can do this by looking for dust particles around the seams of your ducts. If you see any dust, it means that indoor air quality is escaping from the ducts and carrying dust with it.
To fix leaky ducts, you’ll need to seal the seams with a sealing agent. You can find sealing agents at most hardware stores. Once you’ve sealed the seams, your ducts will be less likely to leak and your home will be less dusty.