If you have watched a wall of dust race down the I‑17 and turn the sky sepia in minutes, you know how fast a haboob can hit North Phoenix. You want your home to be a safe, comfortable place when that happens. This playbook shows you how to keep indoor air cleaner before, during, and after dust storms with simple steps that actually work. Let’s dive in.
North Phoenix dust storms at a glance
Haboobs are thunderstorm outflows that push walls of dust across the Valley, usually during the summer monsoon. North Phoenix typically sees one to three large dust storms a year, with smaller events more often, most common in July and August. Local officials advise staying indoors, sealing up, and watching alerts during these fast‑moving events. You can review local monsoon guidance from Maricopa County Emergency Management.
The National Weather Service issues a Dust Storm Warning when visibility drops to about 1/4 mile or less. That is your cue to take shelter and start your indoor air plan. Review driving and safety tips on the NWS dust storm page.
Track air and alerts like a pro
Knowing what is coming helps you act early.
- Maricopa County’s AirVision map shows neighborhood PM10 and PM2.5 readings in near real time. Bookmark the AirVision site.
- AirNow translates particle levels into easy AQI categories. Learn the basics on AirNow’s AQI guide.
- Watch NWS Phoenix for dust storm watches and warnings. The NWS dust safety page has what to do if you are driving when a storm hits.
Tip: Turn on phone alerts and set bookmarks now so you are not scrambling when the sky turns brown.
Prep your home before storm season
A few upgrades and habits make a big difference when the dust starts flying.
Upgrade your HVAC filters
Use the highest MERV filter your system safely allows. Many homes can handle MERV 8 to 11, and MERV 13 is recommended where compatible. Higher MERV ratings capture more fine particles but can increase resistance, so check your system and consult your HVAC technician. See ASHRAE’s filtration guidance. Keep spare filters on hand and plan to change them more often during monsoon.
Add portable HEPA air cleaners
Place HEPA units in the rooms you use most, especially a bedroom and a designated clean room. Size them using CADR: a good rule is a smoke CADR at least two‑thirds of the room’s square footage, and larger for open floor plans. Learn how to size and compare units with AHAM’s CADR standards. Run units on high during events, then lower the speed as air improves.
Create a clean room
Pick an interior room with few windows and a tight door. Close windows and doors, run a HEPA cleaner on high, and set your HVAC to recirculate. The EPA outlines simple steps in its clean room guide.
Seal up common leak points
Weatherstrip exterior doors, add door sweeps, and caulk gaps around windows and utility penetrations. Check attic hatches and garage door seals. Small reductions in infiltration add up during a dust storm. County guidance on monsoon prep is a helpful reminder to seal and stay indoors; review the Maricopa County monsoon page.
What to do during a dust storm
- Stay inside and close all windows and doors. Move to your clean room and run the HEPA unit on high. Set your HVAC fan to On so it continuously filters indoor air. If your system has a fresh‑air intake, close it.
- Avoid evaporative coolers that pull outside air while the storm is active unless they are equipped with appropriate filtration and you understand the limitations. The EPA advises recirculation during smoky or dusty events. See the EPA’s clean room guidance.
- If you must go outside, wear a well‑fitting N95 or equivalent. Fit and seal matter for protection. Review use and cautions on NIOSH’s N95 page.
- If you are driving when visibility drops, pull completely off the roadway, set the emergency brake, turn off lights, and wait. The NWS safety page explains why following tail lights is dangerous.
Clean up safely after
Let particles settle, then clean in a way that removes dust without kicking it back into the air.
- Inspect and replace HVAC and portable air cleaner filters if they look dirty. Keep spares ready.
- Wet‑wipe hard surfaces, mop floors, and vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA vacuum. Avoid dry sweeping or feather dusters. The EPA’s indoor air guidance outlines these best practices.
- Change dusty clothes, shower, and wipe down pets that were outdoors. If you notice persistent cough, wheeze, or chest discomfort, the American Lung Association explains when to seek medical advice.
Quick homeowner checklist
Before monsoon season
- Turn on alerts for AirVision and AirNow, and review NWS dust safety.
- Stock spare HVAC filters, N95 respirators, and at least one HEPA unit for a bedroom or clean room.
- Weatherstrip doors, seal gaps, and choose your clean room.
During a dust storm
- Close up, set HVAC to recirculate, and run HEPA on high in the clean room.
- Avoid evaporative cooling that draws outside air. Wear an N95 outdoors if necessary.
- If driving and visibility fails, pull off the roadway, brake, lights off, and wait.
After a dust storm
- Check and replace filters as needed.
- Wet‑clean surfaces and HEPA‑vacuum soft materials. Shower and change clothes.
- Monitor symptoms and consult a clinician if needed.
Why this matters when you buy or sell
Indoor air strategies are part of smart homeownership in North Phoenix. If you are selling, simple improvements like documented HVAC filter upgrades, fresh weatherstripping, and a clean, well‑sealed interior signal care and reduce buyer concerns during monsoon season. If you are buying, ask about filter compatibility, recent HVAC service, and any whole‑home or room HEPA solutions, especially if you have sensitive family members. These practical details help you protect comfort and health long after closing.
When you are ready to make a move in North Phoenix, connect with a local guide who values both comfort and long‑term planning. Reach out to Angela Totman for neighborhood insights and a calm, step‑by‑step plan for your next home.
FAQs
What is a haboob and when do dust storms hit North Phoenix?
- Haboobs are thunderstorm outflows that push walls of dust across the Valley, most often in July and August during monsoon, with one to three large events in a typical year.
How do I choose the right MERV filter for my home?
- Use the highest MERV your system can handle, ideally MERV 13 where compatible; confirm with your HVAC technician to avoid airflow or equipment issues.
How do I set up a clean room for dust storms?
- Pick an interior room, close windows and doors, run a HEPA air cleaner on high, and set HVAC to recirculate; this reduces particle levels where you spend time.
Are evaporative coolers ok to use during a dust storm?
- Avoid running swamp coolers while dust is active because they pull outside air indoors; switch to recirculating cooling and rely on filtration until the storm passes.
What AQI level means I should limit outdoor time?
- When PM‑based AQI rises above 100, people who are sensitive should limit outdoor exposure and everyone should reduce strenuous activity until air improves.
What mask should I wear if I must go outside during a storm?
- A well‑fitting N95 or equivalent offers the best protection for most adults; replace it if wet, soiled, or damaged, and check with a clinician if you have heart or lung disease.
