If you have a dust allergy, you’re not alone. The dead skin cells, textile fibers and dust mites that comprise household dust are enough to make even the most robust nose sneeze. Fighting dust is an uphill battle, but you can gain the advantage with these tips to reduce household dust.

Keep Closets Organized

Clothes, towels and bedding shed fibers all the time, making the closet one of the dustiest places in your home. Box and bag what you can, and tuck away coats in garment bags during the summer. Keep the floor clear for easier vacuuming by throwing dirty clothes in the hamper, not on the floor.

Address the Bed

Sheets shed fibers of their own and collect skin cells as you toss and turn at night. To prevent your bed from making you sneeze, wash the sheets weekly in hot water to remove allergens and kill dust mites. Then wrap the mattress, box spring and pillows in hypoallergenic covers for good measure.

Trap Dust While You Vacuum

The vacuum whips up dust as it agitates the carpet. Much of it swirls around and settles on new surfaces. Catch some of this dust by turning the thermostat fan setting on your HVAC system to “on.” As it runs, the fan pulls air in through return registers and traps dust in the air filter before sending air back out through supply registers. Leave the blower on for 15 minutes after vacuuming; then return the thermostat to the “auto” setting.

Upgrade the Air Filter

Your efforts to trap pollutants as they circulate through the HVAC system are enhanced if you upgrade to a higher efficiency filter. Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of up to 12 for efficient residential air filtration.

Use the Correct Cleaning Equipment

Collect dust with a damp rag, disposable electrostatic cloth or towel sprayed with a dusting agent. Don’t just spread dust around with a feather duster. Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of dust found in the exhaust stream.

For more tips to reduce household dust, please contact Powers Heating & Air in Peachtree City.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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