How Dust Mites Affect Indoor Air Quality
Even if a home is dusted diligently, dust mites can still be problematic.
Many pollutants, such as dirt, pet hair, and dust, can contaminate the air inside a home. One of the most alarming pollutants, however, is dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live off dead skin flakes from humans and animals, most notably through dust. Though these mites are invisible to the naked eye, they can cause significant allergies when rampant. Homeowners should know what conditions cause dust mites and how to prevent them to keep the air quality in their homes healthy.
Pervasiveness
Even if a home is dusted diligently, dust mites can still be problematic. These tiny creatures, which feed on flakes of skin that humans and animal pets shed, leave behind particles that can irritate the nose, eyes, and lungs. While dusting and vacuuming the house helps limit their numbers, dust mites can spread through the home through air ducts and vents and affect indoor air quality. For this reason, it’s important that homeowners stay on top of the amount of dust in their homes to improve overall air quality.
Dust and HVAC Systems
When the air conditioner or furnace runs, it forces air to blow through the air ducts and vents in the home. This can cause dust to build inside the ducts to enter rooms and reduce indoor air quality. Dust and other debris can also accumulate on the HVAC system’s filter, which lowers its efficiency and makes it run longer to cool or heat the home adequately. In addition to higher energy bills, this can shorten the lifespan of the HVAC system. Overall, homeowners must keep their HVAC system as free of dust as possible, most notably through cleaning and changing the air filters.
Expel Indoor Dust and Improve Air Quality
In addition to changing the air filters, there are several other ways to reduce the number of dust mites in a home and boost indoor air quality. First, cleaning the air ducts once or twice a year helps prevent dust from spreading through the home. Dust can also be prevented from spreading through the home by keeping the windows shut. Running a humidifier helps reduce static electricity, which causes dust to stick to surfaces around the home.
Carpets can collect a considerable amount of dust, so reducing the number of carpets in the house limits overall dust collection. Additionally, mopping hard floors regularly picks up dirt and grime. An air purifier can also help boost air quality and reduce allergen irritations. Finally, using a vacuum cleaner with a built-in HEPA filter to trap tiny particles that regular vacuums don’t pick up can reduce the amount of dust, and henceforth dust mites, in the home.
Dust mites are notorious for causing irritation and allergies in the home. The best way to lessen their presence is to eliminate their food source. Not only does reducing dust in the home diminish the presence of dust mites, but it also improves the overall air quality, making it a healthier environment. Keep these tips in mind for tackling dust in the home, and do not hesitate to contact a professional Lititz HVAC company for assistance if the problem persists. These professionals can examine the HVAC system and see if significant dust buildups need to be eliminated.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717) 696-1511.
