If you live in Camp Verde, AZ, or the surrounding area, chances are you have encountered your fair share of dust storms. Dust storms can wreak absolute havoc on your HVAC system, shaving years off its lifespan, compromising its efficiency, increasing its need for repair services, and potentially causing system failure. This is why we encourage members of our community to understand how to protect their heating and cooling systems during these events as well as how important it is to maintain their air filters during the season when dust storms are most prevalent. Whether you are using standard disposable, electrostatic, or HEPA filters, we have some tips for you.
What Is a Dust Storm?
If you are new to the Camp Verde area or are thinking about moving there, you should be versed in what exactly a dust storm is. Many areas of the country never experience a dust storm, but in this area of Arizona, you will likely experience them several times a year.
A dust storm is a natural event that occurs when very strong winds blow dust and soil into the air. This might not sound like that big of a thing to the uninitiated, but any local will let you know that these events are no small matter. During a dust storm, you can wind up with a wall of dust and debris that can be thousands of feet high and stretch for several miles. These events can completely disrupt daily life, making driving a car impossible and even going outside dangerous. It can also be problematic for sufferers of respiratory illnesses or allergies.
Particles that can be picked up during a dust storm include:
- Soil
- Sand
- Bacteria and other organisms
- Fungi spores
Just breathing in a large amount of dust could be a problem for anyone, but when you add these other types of particles, it i’s clear why it’s so necessary for members of the Camp Verde community to think about protecting themselves during these storms. Since you will need to be inside during these dust storms, it is also vital to consider your indoor air quality.
Clogged Air Filters
Along with the safety that the walls and ceiling of your home provide, the air filters in your HVAC system can act as a major line of defense during a dust storm. That being said, they can also quickly clog up if you are operating your system during one of these events, restricting airflow until there is none left and making your system inoperable. To protect your air filters from being completely clogged during a dust storm, it is recommended to shut off your HVAC system before the storm reaches your home and leave it off until it passes. Since dust storms tend to happen during the warmest months of the year, turning off your HVAC system can make your environment very uncomfortable. This is why it is important to plan ahead by having fans ready to run in your home ahead of a storm.
How Often to Change Your Air Filters
The general rule of thumb for how often HVAC air filters receive moderate usage is every two to four months. With daily usage, it’s better to change the filters every 30 days or so. Of course, these guidelines go completely out the window when we are talking about dust storms. You’ll need to change out your air filter, no matter where you are in your replacement schedule, immediately after a dust storm. If you are near the time when you are supposed to change out your filter, do so before the time of year when dust storms are typically expected.
Consider Electrostatic Air Filters
If changing out disposable air filters every time there is a dust storm sounds like an expensive undertaking, it is worth considering electrostatic filters. These filters utilize static electricity to catch airborne particles like dust and pollen before they enter your home. Electrostatic air filters have a higher up-front cost than disposable ones, but you buy them only once, as they are considered permanent filters and can last as long as your system. This adds up to a bundle of saved money over time.
These filters also save you the time you would otherwise spend shopping for replacement filters. Once you buy an electrostatic air filter, you will not have need to buy another filter unless the first one becomes damaged over time. You will have to think about the time you will need to put into maintaining your electrostatic filter, however. In order for it to be effective, you will need to clean it regularly. If you don’t, you will run into the same airflow blockage issues as with any other kind of filter during a dust storm. You will also run the risk of damaging your HVAC system.
HEPA Filters
For added home safety during a dust storm, you may want to consider investing in an air cleaner that uses a high-efficiency particulate-absorbing (HEPA) filter. Air purifiers that use these types of filters are the most effective at removing dust particles from the air you are breathing indoors. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of dust particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger. This means that you can significantly improve your indoor air quality during dust storms by utilizing an air purifier with this type of air filter.
After a dust storm, you can also clean your home with a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter. Making sure your environment stays clean and tidy after a dust storm can help you maintain proper indoor air quality.
Your Arizona AC Filter Experts
Goettl's High Desert Mechanical is an intergenerational family-owned and -operated company that understands the unique needs of our central and northern Arizona communities. There is no place quite like Camp Verde, which is why we believe our customers deserve to have their home services performed by an organization that has many years under its belt in the area. We have been providing excellent customer service and quality workmanship to our neighbors in the area since 1987. Our dedication to our trade has blessed us with a wide range of accolades and acknowledgments, including an Air Conditioning Contractors of America affiliation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
We have also been fortunate enough over the years to receive a bevy of five-star reviews and repeat business from a large number of our customers. We believe that is due to the excellent quality and value we provide, as well as our wealth of services. We offer more than just HVAC installations, repairs, maintenance, and indoor air quality solutions. Our customers can also come to us for all their plumbing needs, including handling clogs, repiping, and hydro jetting.
For answers to your questions about AC filters during a dust storm or any of the air conditioning services we provide, give Goettl's High Desert Mechanical a call today!
