Furnace Dustier Than An Old Library? Here’s What To Do

Is your furnace covered in dust?

That sucks! Dust not only affects your furnace’s performance but can also be super annoying, especially if you have allergies.

Don’t worry, though. I’m here to help.

If your furnace is dustier than an old library, you’ll need to clean or replace the air filter and inspect the ducts. It’s also important to clean your home, consider getting an air purifier, and schedule regular maintenance.

Read on to get rid of your furnace’s dust!

Dusty Furnace? Try These 5 Simple Fixes

In this section, I’ll explain why your furnace is dustier than an old library and provide five different solutions so you can forget all about the problem.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

#1 Clean the Air Filter

When I see a dusty furnace, my first step is to check the air filter.

The air filter is responsible for trapping dirt, pet hair, dust, and other contaminants to prevent your furnace from getting dirty and improve air quality. Unfortunately, if the filter becomes clogged, it will allow dust to accumulate and reduce your furnace’s efficiency.

Luckily, cleaning or replacing the air filter is very simple. You’ll just need to:

1. Turn off the electrical switch located near the furnace. You can also turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the front cover panel and locate the air filter. It should be placed on the vent, but please refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the exact location, as it will vary depending on your furnace’s model.
3. Carefully slide out the air filter from its housing.
4. Clean the air filter with a vacuum and rinse it with water. Then, let the filter air dry completely to prevent mold growth.
5. If you have a disposable filter or notice any signs of damage, you must get a replacement.
6. Slide the new or cleaned filter back into its slot. Make sure the arrows on the filter frame point in the direction of airflow.
7. Once you’ve cleaned or replaced the air filter, turn your furnace back on.

Note: To prevent different performance issues, you should replace your furnace’s air filter every 1 to 3 months.

Find any replacement part:

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#2 Inspect the Ducts

In my experience, cleaning the ducts can also help get rid of your furnace’s dust.

You see, even after you’ve cleaned the air filter, some dust can still accumulate within the ducts and end up recirculating throughout your home. Therefore, if you have never cleaned the ducts, now is the time to get started.

Here’s a guide on how to clean your furnace’s ducts:

1. Turn off your furnace and remove the vent cover of the air duct openings. If there are any obstructions, such as bird nests, please remove them.
2. Use a long brush to clean inside the ducts. You can also use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to clean the duct.
3. Vacuum around the furnace and its components.
4. Reattach the vent covers.

While you’re at it, please visually inspect the ducts. Look for any gaps, holes, or cracks in the ductwork. If you notice any signs of damage or mold, it’s best to call an HVAC specialist. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to address these issues safely.

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#3 Clean Your Home

If you’ve tried the fixes above, but your furnace has lots of dust, try cleaning your home.

Let me explain. Your furnace operates by drawing in air from your home, heating it, and then redistributing it. So, if your home has become dusty due to ongoing construction, daily activities, or perhaps some innocent forgetfulness to clean, dust can be pulled into your furnace and accumulate over time.

By cleaning the areas that tend to accumulate dust more quickly, such as the living room or entryways, you can significantly reduce the amount of dust circulating in your home and furnace.

My usual advice is to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter and a microfiber cloth to capture dust. Please pay special attention to often overlooked areas, such as the ceiling fan blades.

While pets are lovely, they can also be a significant source of dust and dander. So, please make sure to wash their bedding regularly and consider grooming them outdoors to capture fur before it makes its way inside.

Note: Remember that proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent dust buildup and keep your home clean.

#4 Use an Air Purifier

Once you’ve tried the fixes above, you should consider investing in an air purifier to prevent further dust buildup in your furnace.

You see, air purifiers are designed to improve air quality by filtering out particles, such as dust and dander. While your furnace filter is good at handling larger particles, I find that air purifiers really shine when it comes to trapping fine dust and other allergens.

So, using an air purifier alongside your furnace filter can effectively keep dust particles from being drawn into your HVAC system.

When choosing an air purifier, I usually advise ensuring it has a HEPA filter, which is designed to trap very fine particles from the air. It’s also important to consider the noise levels, especially if you plan to place the purifier in your bedroom.

Don’t forget to consider purchasing an Energy Star-certified air purifier, as it’s 40% more energy-efficient than traditional models.

#5 Schedule Regular Maintenance

I find that one of the most effective ways to prevent your furnace from becoming dusty over time is to schedule regular maintenance.

Consider scheduling a professional maintenance service once a year, which typically involves a thorough cleaning and inspection of the internal components, such as the fan assembly and ductwork.

Don’t forget to clean or replace the air filter more often, usually every 1 to 3 months. Additionally, if your furnace is over ten years old, you should also consider more frequent check-ups.

Regular maintenance is an investment that ensures you get rid of any dust that might’ve accumulated in your furnace’s system over the year. It will also improve the unit’s efficiency and lower your energy bills!

Wrapping Up: Steps to a Dust-Free Furnace

That about covers it! Hopefully, now you know how to prevent dust from accumulating in your furnace.

Remember that if your furnace is dustier than an old library, you’ll need to clean the air filter with a vacuum every 1 to 3 months. If necessary, replace the filter with a new one. Inspecting the ducts, cleaning your home, and scheduling regular maintenance is also important.

Don’t forget that if you’re uncomfortable cleaning or inspecting your furnace’s components, you should call an HVAC specialist.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide. If you’ve found it helpful, please check out our related posts below.

Good luck!