rubble storms can make a lot of scathe , indoors and out . Here ’s what to do after one hit your home and K .
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Dust storms can strike anywhere in the U.S. , but they ’re specially common in the arid Southwest or otherdry climates . Often drive by strong thunderstorm winds , these storms — especially the more acute type known ashaboobs — can pose serious risks , according to theNational Weather Service . And while personal safety is the top precedency during a junk storm , your home and yard may also take a hit . After all , dust can clog atmosphere systems , tease apart shingles , and cause damage to windows . Tiny rubble particles can also infiltrate through opened windows , door , and even tiny cracks , exit behind a jam to clean up once the storm passes . Fortunately , with a few strategic dance step and expert tips , you’re able to safely and effectively clean up after a dust storm and prevent lasting damage to your home .
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Kelsey Heiis a filtration and indoor air timber specialist at3 yard
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
Kelsey Hei , who knows a thing or two about maintain air quality , says that one of the most damaging broker of dust storms or haboobs is their health effect . " warm winds can take loose sand and dirt and give them into our atmosphere , and they can linger in the air outside , impacting our strain timber . During these sort of conditions events , we require to reduce the amount of outdoor particles coming inside our homes and into our indoor air . "
To achieve thebest indoor melodic line quality , trace these step .
Keep Windows and Doors Closed Until the Air Is Clean
Make certain all windows and doors are fully conclude and limit scuttle and keep out them as much as possible to help foreclose dust storm contaminants , like sand and dirt , from getting inside . When strain character is compromised , it ’s helpful to confine exposure outdoors . Once air character has meliorate ( you’re able to check off the air quality index for your urban center on sites likeAirNow ) , start the windows to ventilate your home .
Change Your HVAC Filter
melodic phrase filter play a central role in capturing undesirable particles and keeping your indoor melody unclouded and impudent . But to hold peak performance , they need to be changed on a regular basis . Hei recommendsreplacing 1 - inch air filtersat least once every three months — andcleaning them regularlybetween replacement to extend their effectiveness .
If you live in an area prostrate to detritus violent storm , supplant your filters more frequently . For added protection , upgrade your atmosphere filter to a high MPR ( Microparticle Performance Rating ) , and to seize more dust and other airborne contaminant , utilise one with at least a 1000 MPR . After a junk storm , replace your filter directly before execute the HVAC system .
Clean AC Ducts and Vents
After a storm , your HVAC is likely filtering out a large amount of rubble , so it ’s important toclean out any vents or ducts . This will facilitate keep the lifetime of the social unit and keep your indoor gentle wind tone as clean as possible .
Use an Air Purifier
While your HVAC filter helps clean the indoor air , using an airwave purifier can further improve air caliber . Fine debris particles from a dust tempest can remain indoors without being visible , and running an aura purifier with a clean filter continuously helps move out these contaminants .
Clean Surfaces Inside Your Home
Once the dust storm has guide , vacuum furniture and floors , if possible , using a vacuum cleaner with a clean HEPA filter . detritus can hold onto fabrics , so make multiple passes with the vacuum and wash any bedding anddraperiesas well . To clean voiceless surfaces like counters , windowsill , baseboards , and gizmo , habituate damp cloths to avoid stirring up junk .
Home Exterior Maintenance
debris storms are often get by extremely strong winds that knock downleaves , branches , and even trees . After the tempest , safely rake up the farewell and gather the stick and branches . For downed trees or large branches hanging from trees , consider hiring a professional arborist .
rubble and rubble from storms can also choke off gutters and downspouts , so be sure to unclutter them before the next rainfall to keep proper body of water drain . Assess your ceiling and exterior paintto see if there is any scathe for insurance purposes . If you have an out-of-door pond , tick off that the filters are working properly , brush and skim the pool , and incline the pump and filtration systems unceasingly .
Frequently Asked Questions
No . It ’s best to fend off using systems that draw in outside line during a violent storm unless your plate has a well - sealed filtration arrangement . Wait until the storm has passed and your filters have been checked .
Telltale signboard of dust in your HVAC system may include a buildup of dust on melodic phrase vents , reduced airflow , unusual disturbance , and mouldy or burning odors .
Yes . Dust accumulation inside your home can promote the development of mold and mould , especially in moist or ill give vent arena . It can also go down in wall tooth decay and attics , reducing your dwelling house ’s vitality efficiency . Plus , if not soundly take away , fine debris particles may infiltrate electronics , ductwork , and mechanically skillful systems , do gradual habiliment and potential malfunctions over time .
