We live in a tropical moist climate here in Southwest Florida. It would seem that dust would remain at a minimum. Yet many homes even here in Southwest Florida seem to have the endless chore of dusting. You clean and only a day or so later, the dust is back, beckoning you to get out the Lemon Pledge once again.

It doesn’t have to always be this way! It is very likely that your HVAC system is part of the issue.

Once you know the cause there are solutions.

Start with the filter. It needs to be inspected once a month and replaced or cleansed whenever it looks dirty. If you have pets, it may need to be replaced more often. While its a great sign to see a dirty filter because that matter has been trapped so it will not circulate all over your home to be breathed in or land on your furniture, it also can clog the air flow making your system work harder.

It is important to note that not all filters are the same. The higher MERV rating the smaller the particles captured. They are great for allergies and dust, but will also cost you a little more to run as the system has to push slightly harder to get the air through.

When you change out your filter, always check to make sure there’s a tight seal around all sides as it fits in the air return and that it is in right side up. If there are gaps or if your filter is improperly sized, dust will be able to flow freely through your system and throughout your home.

Another Culprit

Shoddy or aging ductwork is a slightly more difficult issue that may cause extra dust. It is quite common especially in older homes. Gaps can develop in your ductwork over time, due to damage or even poor workmanship. These holes allow dust to get in at points past your filter. That dust goes out of your vents and directly into your air.

To check: Look closely at your vents. If you see a build up of dust on the fins or around the vents, you may have leaks. Many small leaks can be repaired effectively with just duct tape if you can reach them.

For more thorough inspections and repairs, consider getting help from a licensed HVAC technician. They can detect and patch leaks in places you may not be able to reach, and those tend to be some of the dustiest parts of your duct system.

Solutions

Next time you dust try this: Adjust your thermostat’s fan setting to “On”. When your filter is clean, it will trap a lot of the dust you stir up by dusting and vacuuming. When finished, set it back to auto.

Be on the lookout for leaky ductwork, and if you need professional service and are in the Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres areas, call on the pros at All Day Air Cooling and Heating. www.alldayaircooling.com (239) 357-0727.

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