3 Simple Tips To Protect Your Central Furnace From Dust

13 January 2023
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Dust is a bigger problem for central air conditioners than many homeowners realize. It may seem impossible to keep dust out of your air conditioner, but there are a few tricks you can use to avoid problematic levels of dust buildup. Use these simple tips to protect your central furnace from dust.

1. Maintain HVAC Airflow

Airflow bottlenecks can trap dust and dirt that would otherwise be captured by the furnace filter or expelled from your HVAC system. Taking steps to prevent airflow blockages will help your furnace run more efficiently and minimize dust buildup.

Cleaning or replacing your furnace filter monthly is the most important step to protect your central furnace from dust. Aside from this, you should avoid closing vent registers for extended periods and be careful not to block them with furniture or curtains.

2. Eliminate Dust in Your Home

Reducing dust in your home naturally means less dust can make its way into your HVAC system. If you clean frequently enough to never see dust on the surfaces in your home, you can have peace of mind that your HVAC system is protected as well. 

Certain cleaning methods disperse dust into the air rather than eliminate it. A microfiber cloth is a better option than a feather duster for exactly this reason. You may also consider investing in a vacuum cleaner or air purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters remove up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size.

3. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

No matter how careful you are to protect your furnace from dust, it will eventually need to be cleaned. Cleaning the inside of your furnace is a routine part of professional HVAC maintenance. Yearly inspections will ensure that your furnace isn't suffering from overheating or energy loss due to dust buildup.

Duct inspections are another valuable professional service that helps to protect your furnace from dust. Leaks and gaps in your ductwork may allow dust to enter your HVAC system from inside your walls, attic, or crawl spaces. Your contractors can locate and patch hidden leaks in your ductwork that could be exposing your furnace to dust.

These tips will help you avoid the overheating, energy efficiency loss, and shortened furnace life that are commonly associated with dust buildup. Talk to a local HVAC contractor about heating maintenance plan options so your central furnace can last as long as possible.