The Dangers of Dirty Air Ducts & How They Can Negatively Impact Your Health
Have you or a member of your family been coughing, sneezing, or experiencing itchy eyes? Dirty air ducts might be to blame. While the primary purpose of air ducts is to circulate air throughout your home, they also transport pet dander, chemicals, dust, and debris, carrying them out into your home. As a result, your air quality deteriorates, affecting pre existing health issues, including respiratory illnesses and allergies.
Air ducts are an essential component of every home. However, just like many other things, if they aren’t properly cleaned regularly, they can present serious health and safety risks to you and your family. After all, the prime purpose of your home’s air ducts is to provide clean air in the environment. But, if your ducts are dirty, will they be able to bring fresh air into your home?
Understanding Your HVAC System
Many people mistakenly believe that their HVAC system only produces cool and heated air to circulate throughout their home. While this is the vital objective and function of an HVAC system, it’s crucial to remember that traces of water are frequently left in the ducts while it’s in operation. When the moisture settles, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold. As a result, your air quality and your health may be affected over time if your ducts are not cleaned regularly.
How Dirty Air Affects Your Health
Here are some examples of the impact that polluted air may have on your family and how it can disrupt your health.
Increased Risk of Colds and Allergies
Allergies, chronic coughing, colds, and sore throats are just a few of the respiratory illnesses that can occur more often when your ducts are churning out dirty air into your home. Air ducts can harbor numerous germs, bacteria, and even fungus, which can rapidly grow and disseminate along the length of the ducts.
Itchy Skin
When mold and other irritants are present in your home’s HVAC system, respiratory issues aren’t the only concern. Just like with your lungs, mold in the air can trigger adverse reactions in your skin, which can manifest themselves as hives, rashes, and overall itching. If you see anything out of the ordinary on your skin, it’s vital to get to the source of the problem quickly. If you don’t remember the last time your vents were inspected, call an HVAC technician out to have a look as soon as possible.
Heightened Autoimmune Conditions
We all know that polluted air outside can cause various health concerns, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Those who suffer from autoimmune diseases may experience more severe symptoms as a result of breathing polluted air. Those with respiratory conditions are at especially high risk of complications due to contaminants like mold and bacteria.
Breathing Problems
For those with asthma or other respiratory ailments, the accumulation of dust, pollen, and other air pollutants can aggravate breathing problems. Those with asthma are advised to stay indoors on days when the air quality is poor, however, if indoor air quality is also poor, there is no escape.There are times where contaminated air ducts can generate respiratory infections in people without a history of respiratory disease. This occurs when bacteria, mold, or fungi grow in the air ducts and are brought into the home via heat and air conditioning.
Poor Quality Sleep
Dirty air ducts are a concern for everyone, not just those with autoimmune disorders and respiratory issues. In even the healthiest individuals, the accumulation of air pollution in ducts can cause one to exhibit symptoms such as eye and throat irritation.
To reduce risk, keep your ducts clean by having them inspected every 3-5 years. Inadequate indoor air can induce discomfort, which can affect sleep quality. Even if you sleep for an entire night, the quality of it will not necessarily be excellent. You will notice that your sleep quality is poor when you get exhausted or sick after waking up.
Schedule A Cleaning Today
Air duct cleaning should be done on an as-needed basis or every few years. Proper duct cleaning can reduce indoor pollution, help alleviate health problems, and ensure that your home is thoroughly heated and cooled. Maintaining your air ducts can also help manage energy costs, keeping your temps and your bills low.
At On Time Home Services, our skilled technicians have years of experience providing top-quality HVAC solutions. Talk with our expert team today and schedule your FREE quote.