Do Air Purifiers Help with Dust?
Got a dust problem? Don’t worry! The addition of a whole-house air purifier can significantly reduce dust.
By Tom Moor
Dreaded dust. No matter how many times we wipe down our home’s surfaces, it always finds a way back. While dust is something we all must deal with, you can reduce how much settles in your home by installing a whole-house air purifier from American Standard®. Keep reading to learn how these devices help minimize dust and create a healthier and cleaner environment.
What is dust?
Dust is made up of tiny particles that we often can’t see but are always floating around, settling on our furniture, floors, and decor. These particles can contain all sorts of gross things like dead skin cells, pet dander, pollen, and even fibers from clothes or furniture. They not only land on surfaces but also stay airborne, especially when there’s airflow from fans, HVAC systems, or open windows.
Although all homes have some level of dust, those with poor ventilation, high humidity, or lots of curtains, drapes, upholstered furniture, and carpeting tend to have more dust because they trap particles and make it harder for them to be filtered out. Even your furry friends can contribute to dust, as their dander, fur, and saliva particles easily mix into the air, landing on surfaces and fabrics around your home.
While dust is natural, it can build up very quickly. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can help capture and remove some dust particles and prevent them from settling back into the air or on furniture. However, regular cleaning, along with the installation of a whole-house air purifier, offers the best defense against dust. An air purifier helps reduce dust buildup on surfaces and captures airborne particles, keeping both your home cleaner and your air fresher.
What is an air purifier and how does it work?
Unlike a portable air purifier that provides coverage to just one room, a whole-house model is connected directly to your HVAC system to provide complete coverage. An air purifier for dust works by drawing in the air from your home, trapping dust and allergens, and then your furnace or air handler pushes out cleaner, fresher air into your living spaces.
Most air purifiers use filters such as HEPA or activated carbon to trap these contaminants. American Standard’s top choice, the AccuClean® Whole-Home Air Cleaner, takes a unique approach to air purification. Instead of relying solely on traditional filters, the AccuClean uses a powerful Intense Field Dielectric (ifD) corona field to charge incoming air. This process acts like a magnet, attracting particles such as dust with its polarized force.
The particles are then captured and stored in a collection cell, where they’re easily cleaned. AccuClean’s smart technology removes most of even the tiniest contaminants, keeping your entire home cleaner and healthier.
Does an air purifier help with dust?
Do air purifiers help with dust? You bet they do. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dust particles are typically 10 micrometers in size or smaller, which are large enough for most air purifiers, especially those with HEPA filters, to capture and remove.
The effectiveness of an air purifier for dust can depend on factors like the size of your home, the type and quality of the model you choose, the airflow in your home, and how frequently the filters are replaced or cleaned.
High-quality systems, such as the AccuClean, can reduce dusting by up to 50%. In fact, this high-efficiency air purifier can remove up to 99.98% of all allergens and contaminants – including particles as small as .3 microns – making it an incredible 100 times more effective than a standard 1” filter.
Additional benefits of installing an air purifier
Whole-house air purifiers aren’t just effective at tackling dust problems – they offer several health benefits too, including:
Allergy relief
If you have allergies, you know just how miserable they can be, especially in the spring. Air purifiers are great at removing common allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and, yes, dust. Reducing these particles can help improve symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion, bringing much-needed relief for allergy sufferers.
The AccuClean whole-home air purifier is certified by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America® (AAFA). The AAFA certifies a product has been independently tested and is scientifically proven to reduce allergens and pollutants in your home’s air.
Improved respiratory health
Beyond dust, some air purifiers can also reduce harmful particles like smoke, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), bacteria, and other pollutants. This helps improve the overall air quality in your home, making it easier to breathe for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Odor removal
If you struggle with constant odors like cooking smells, pet scents, or smoke, an air purifier can help absorb and remove them. This keeps your home smelling fresher and more inviting, even in areas where odors tend to linger, so you won’t be embarrassed to invite your friends over to watch the big game.
Enhanced sleep quality
Cleaner air means better sleep. When your environment is free from dust and allergens, you’re more likely to sleep through the night without interruption. This will help you wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day, as opposed to groggy and grouchy.
Bonus tips to reduce dust
To properly manage the dust in your home, you need a balanced game plan that includes a whole-house air purifier, along with some or all of the following steps:
- Regular Cleaning: Dust surfaces, floors, and furniture frequently with a damp cloth or microfiber towel to trap particles rather than spreading them around.
- Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture fine dust particles from carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Wash Bedding and Curtains: Dust can accumulate on fabrics like bedding and curtains, so washing them regularly helps reduce dust buildup.
- Use Door Mats: Place mats at all entryways to catch dirt and dust from shoes before they’re tracked into the home.
- Control Humidity: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% can prevent dust mites from thriving, as they prefer more humid environments.
Schedule a free quote today
Drowning in dust? Tired of constantly cleaning? If so, a local American Standard dealer can help. Our caring, dependable dealers can provide a thorough indoor air quality assessment and recommend the best air purifier for dust that works for your specific needs and budget.
For more than 100 years, customers have come to trust American Standard for their commitment to quality, innovation, and providing reliable, long-lasting solutions for home comfort and air quality.
Author: Tom Moor
Expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality
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