What is White Dust and Should I Be Concerned About it?
As homeowners, we’re often concerned with the air quality in our homes. One issue that may arise, especially during the winter months, is the appearance of white dust around your home. But what is white dust, and should you be concerned about it?
At A Quality HVAC, we want to provide solutions that put you in control of your HVAC system. Our experts have researched and backed the information in this article, so you can trust our advice.
What is White Dust?
White dust is a byproduct of mineral content in the water that goes into a humidifier. When the mist lands on furniture or other surfaces and dries, it can sometimes leave behind dried mineral deposits, or “white dust.” Only two types of humidifiers produce white dust: ultrasonic and impeller portable humidifiers.
Is White Dust Harmful?
For most people, white dust is nothing to be concerned about. It’s not harmful in any way and can be cleaned off just like any other household dust. However, it could be problematic for some people with allergies, asthma, or other lung/sinus health conditions.
How to Get Rid of White Dust?
One way to reduce white dust is to use distilled water to fill your humidifier tank. Distilled water has a very low mineral count and therefore will not produce white dust that hard tap water will. Another option is to purchase a demineralization cartridge, which is specifically designed to trap the minerals before they become airborne into your home.
If your water is really hard and the dust is too much to handle, it may be a good idea to invest in a portable warm or cool mist evaporative humidifier. These humidifiers do not operate in the same fashion as ultrasonic and, therefore, will not disperse a layer of white dust.
When to Talk to the Experts
White dust is usually not harmful, but it’s essential to take steps to reduce it if you or someone in your household has respiratory issues. By using distilled water, purchasing a demineralization cartridge, or investing in an evaporative humidifier, you can reduce the appearance of white dust in your home. If you’re still concerned about white dust or the air quality in your home, our experts can help. At A Quality HVAC, we specialize in improving the humidity levels in your home and ensuring that your HVAC system is running at peak efficiency. Contact us today at 623-853-1482 to schedule a consultation.
