April 21, 2020

Dust: Those little ‘dust bunnies’ can cost you money


While we are all staying home more than ever, we have more time to focus on spring cleaning. You’re probably taking closer notice of all those overlooked dust bunnies from the past few months.

Cleaning the house concept with dust bunny on a dirty floor / mixed media, 3D Elements in this image
Cleaning the house concept with dust bunny on a dirty floor / mixed media, 3D Elements in this image

With spring arriving, it is the perfect time to tackle some of those long-awaited home maintenance projects and clear the dust, so to speak. You’ll have the benefit of checking them off the “ToDo List” while boosting your morale by having them done, but most important, you’ll save some money by having your home systems operating efficiently for the months to come.

Dust comes from everywhere, whether we like it or not. It filters in from doors, windows, cracks and crevices. It builds up and can cause real inefficiency in your home systems like heating and air conditioning. Since we have the time at hand, why not clear those dust bunnies and get your home shining for spring? The results will help clear the air of dust, dirt, pollen, pet hair, dander and other allergens.

Vents

Vents are often overlooked, but they can make a big difference in your indoor air quality and overall home efficiency. That means, those little vents can save you money. Deep cleaning should be

done by a professional service, but homeowners can do ongoing upkeep with a vacuum, sponge and some soapy water. Cleaning vents can even help save you money as air flow is more efficient. Be sure to turn off the heating/AC system before removing duct covers from floors or walls. You’ll want to wash these covers fully with hot, soapy water.  While those are drying, vacuum the ducts as much as possible. Use a heavy-duty shop vac to ensure you have enough power to clean deep into the crevices.

Filters

Regularly changing filters is a must for optimal efficiency. Filters help trap and slow down dust accumulation. Be sure to change your furnace and air conditioning filters at least every other month. Clogged filters reduce air flow, which ultimately reduces the efficiency of your system, making it work harder, causing greater wear and tear. Don’t forget the filter on your washing machine. This is another often overlooked home maintenance task. Your operation manual has all the details needed to keep up-to-date on filter cleaning.

Heating System

Annual maintenance of your HVAC system by a professional is just as important as changing the oil in your car. Keeping these systems maintained will increase their longevity, lower utility bills, ensure efficient operation and reduce unexpected repairs. As your home systems age, they become less efficient, so pampering your HVAC annually can help get the most from your system as possible. There no time like now to provide a little TLC.

AC

It won’t be long before your AC and swamp coolers will be running full speed to keep things cool inside your home. Now is the time to check these systems. Make sure electrical connections are safe, leaves and other debris are removed from in and around the unit. Air-conditioning coils can experience buildup of dirt, dust and other pollutants which can prevent the air-conditioning unit from doing its job properly. The buildup can also cause the unit to work harder, wearing your air-conditioner down faster than it should. Again, clean off the dirt, dust and cobwebs from grates and vent areas to ensure clean air flow is possible.

Water Heater

Water heaters can build up sediment, leading to possible water heater damage or failure. Checking the water heater and flushing it helps keep the water clean and prolongs its life. Water heaters should be maintained by a professional annually..

Air Purifier

Colorado is dry no matter the season. Air purifiers can be excellent additions to reduce dust and clear the air in your home.  There are individual room purifiers, but a whole house purifier can work in tandem with your current heating and cooling systems. Filtering the air can improve indoor air quality, reduce allergy symptoms, improve breathing, especially for individuals with breathing conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD and lung disorders.  It is recommended to have a certified technician install a whole-house purifying system.

So, this spring, while maintaining your social distancing, maintain your home as well and get rid of all those pesky dust bunnies. Your home will shine, you’ll feel great about checking items off your home “to do” list and you’ll likely save a little money.

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