by Cooper Climate Control
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Spring cleaning is here. That means it’s time to start dusting those neglected areas in your home. But in your fervor to get the job done, you may be doubling your dusting time.
How?
Many homeowners make the mistake of dusting first and THEN vacuuming their home.
Here’s why that’s a bad idea…and what you should do instead.
The problem with vacuuming after dusting. Your vacuum cleaners kicks up dust when using it’s agitator (the cylindrical brush that sweeps the carpet) or blowing exhaust steam.
So if you dust first and vacuum second, you’ll be undoing all that dusting you’ve just done. Here’s a way to work smarter—not harder.
What you should do instead…
First, go to your thermostat and switch the fan setting to “ON”. This keeps the blower in your furnace on even when your system isn’t heating or cooling the air. This blower will suck in air through the vents and through the air filter, catching the airborne dust.
Second, dust higher level places first, like fan blades and high lamps.
Third, start vacuuming. Now the dust you kick up may be pulled in through the vents and get caught in the filter. So you’re basically cleaning the air while cleaning your floors!
Fourth, start dusting everything else you didn’t dust before. Keep the furnace fan on for about 10-15 minutes after you finish dusting.
Finally, turn the fan setting back to “AUTO.” The furnace blower isn’t meant to be used constantly and can run up your electricity bill if left on.
Why you may never stop dusting…
Got a home that never seems to be dust-free no matter how much you dust? You may have a leak in your air ducts. An air duct leak in your attic or crawl space would suck in dust and blow it throughout your supply vents.
Basically, you’ll have a dusty home every time your air conditioner or furnace turns on.
Learn the signs of leaky air ducts in your home and how to seal them.
Wondering if you’ve got leaky ducts? Ask one of our experts for help.