The summers in Arizona can be brutal. Temperatures go over 100 degrees regularly and the dry air can sap your energy before you know it. That’s why air conditioning is a necessity and not a luxury, like it is in some states.
However, what can you do if your trusted AC system suddenly starts throwing dust into your home at increased volumes? You certainly can’t stop using the AC in the middle of the summer. And cleaning your home constantly doesn’t sound too fun either.
We sought advice from Hughes Air Conditioning & Heating Repair, and here’s how they recommend stopping your AC from adding dust to your home.
Start with Air Filters
Somehow, it always starts with the air filter. Your local AC maintenance company is certainly telling you to keep your filters clean, and for a good reason. If your air filters are dirty and clogged, they can no longer do what they are designed to do – filter the dust particles from your air.
Unbeknownst to many, the air filters also protect the delicate electronics inside your device from dust as well, which is why a regularly cleaned air filter can prolong your machine’s life expectancy.
If the filter seems clean, it may not be the problem. However, just to be safe, go ahead and check the MERV rating. It should tell you about your filter’s capacity to capture dust. You could buy a higher-rated filter to capture finer grain dust particles, although those are more expensive.
Go into the Ducts
Having ensured that the air filter is not at fault, your next step should be the next stop in the cooling line – the air ducts. In essence, a problem in the air ducts is a lot more likely than in the air filter. However, seeing how the cooling starts with the air filters and that it is simpler to inspect your air filter, most experts will agree that you shouldn’t skip air filters.
Most American homes have air ducts all through the house, which means that there are plenty of points where a duct might become damaged and start importing dust into the system. It’s pretty simple to determine if there is a leak in the system. Check the inside of the ducts and vents. If you see the dust on them – there is a leak. Finding the leak, though might be a bit trickier.
How to Locate the Leak
Chances are that you will not be able to find the leak point yourself. The majority of the ducts in your home are inaccessible to you, and inspecting them requires special equipment. Your local HVAC mechanics should have this equipment and should be able to help you.
Dry Air Doesn’t Help
One of the most grating things in Arizona is the dryness of the air. Not only does it make your system more prone to cracking and springing leaks, but it also promotes the movement of dust particles. There’s not much you can do about the dry air outside, but you may be able to do something about the air in your home.
Adding an air humidifier to your HVAC system will help get the air more palatable to breathe and can reduce some health issues as well. If your HVAC system already has a humidifier installed, make sure it works properly and that it is set to the desired level.
Fixing the leak in your HVAC system will not only help you with the dust accumulation, but also ensure that your air conditioner serves you for a long time more.