I know this sounds like a weird space to ask this question. I bought my current home in August '04. It is very similar to my previous house in many ways- built in 1910's, hardwood floors, 10 ft ceilings, etc. But I have a monster dust bunny problem here! I do have pets, 2 dogs (a boxer and a mutt, both have extremely short hair), and I sweep the ENTIRE house every week and dust. 3-4 days later, I already have extreme dust bunnies and everything is covered in dust. I have read now that a lot of new central air/heating units (I currently have central air & heat, gas furnace, but a much older model) promise to cut way down on dust problems. So that makes me wonder, is my older HVAC unit causing the insane dust bunny/ dust problem I have? Besides the fact that it is tiring to have to sweep and mop every few days, I also have allergies. I change my filter every month. Does anyone have any ideas/ suggestions on this problem? I currently don't have the money to entirely replace my HVAC system.
Thanks!

I would
1. use pleated furnace filters instead of the cheapies, and
2. consider having the ducts cleaned. Learn more about that here.

How much does air duct cleaning usually run?

Around here we pay $200 for all the ducts in a 2-bedroom townhome that has 8 runs. The rate is usually based on how many runs you have. Call 2-3 companies from your Yellow Pages, under Duct Cleaning, for pricing in your area.

Hi,
Depending on your fan system, the pleated furnace filters may or may not allow enough air circulation in the home. I tried them on my own system, and they almost stopped the air! Maybe I used the wrong ones, but had to go back to the "cheapies".
You might also consider buying an air purifyer. I bought the Whirlpool, WhispPure AP 450 air purifyer because my wife has breathing problems. It has helped tremendously. That particular purifyer is rated tops by Consumer Reports, and runs around $229 or so. It will take care of the air in the living room and dining room, or so it seems.
I have to clean the outer pre-filter with the vacuum every week, due to all the dust it catches from the air!