Greenlinks Blog
Dealing with Dust
-With cold weather threatening, you're battening down the hatches. But before you seal off your home, do what you can to battle winter's impending dust. Follow these steps to keep dust bunnies at bay.
Check the furnance filter. A clean filter traps dust and other toxins and cuts your energy bill by 5 to 15 percent. Check your filter once a month during the winter. If you can't see through it, clean or replace it.
Change your bedding weekly. Your bed may be comfy, but it's also a dust collector-gathering flakes of skin, clothing, and other fibers. Wash your bedding once a week, and give your bedspread, blankets, and pillows a good shake outside if you can't make it to the dry cleaners.
Institute a no-shoes policy. Ask guests to take off shoes at the door to prevent dust, pesticides, and other pollutants from being tracked through your home.
Seal your ducts. Leaky air ducts let dust and other indoor toxins-including methane and carbon monoxide-into your home. They also reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by up to 20 percent, according to ENERGY STAR. Inspect your ducts for leaks, using mastic duct sealant and mesh tape to patch holes.