Walking up to the thermostat to turn it up or down, you might not think much about what happens after you walk away. Your HVAC system turns on, drawing outdoor air inward through a series of pathways and turning that air into a comfortable temperature for you and your family. While this might seem like a safe process, dirty air ducts can cause adverse effects on the health of those inside your home. These ducts act like magnets, filtering harmful, microscopic items out while delivering high-quality air in. But when they are too full of debris, they can no longer perform at full capacity. That means unclean air could be circulating in your home.
Today, let’s explore the potential health issues that may be lurking in an unclean air duct and how they can negatively affect you.
Potential Issues Hiding in Your Ducts
Most of the issues found in your ductwork are undetectable to the human eye. But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they won’t cause significant issues. Here are some of the things that might be hiding in your ducts, and the air in your home:
- Dust and dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mould, fungal spores, and mildew
- Rodents and insects, including droppings and remains
- Bacteria and viruses
You might notice certain surfaces becoming increasingly dusty over time, despite no changes to your cleaning routine. Alternatively, dirty air ducts can cause odours if mould and mildew are present. While you might be accustomed to this smell over time, guests in your home will notice a musty scent.
With a mix of allergens, diseases, and other unwanted debris crowding your air ducts, it’s not hard to see why these issues might cause your family undue health concerns.
Living with Poor Air Quality
Poor air quality can manifest itself in a few different ways. You might notice difficulty breathing in the air within your home, but have minimal or no difficulties when going outside. Coughing and sneezing can be common symptoms, and you might find yourself constantly catching a cold or coming down with the flu. Dirty air ducts are unable to filter out the pathogens that cause these problems. Headaches, rashes, and exhaustion are also possible, leaving you to feel unwell in your own home despite it being the place you go to rest.
Worsening Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have dirty air ducts, it will be increasingly difficult for anyone living with you who has a pre-existing medical complication that affects their breathing. People with asthma, allergies, and pulmonary conditions all require fresh, clean air to breathe or they risk their health problems getting worse. Family members might suffer longer asthma attacks, and people who have allergies might have to continue taking antihistamines even while at home. Those living with pulmonary conditions might be unable to stay in your home for an extended period due to the low quality of the air they are exposed to.
The Importance of Getting Your Ducts Cleaned
Some homeowners are unaware of when they should get their ducts cleaned. Alternatively, they may forget the last time they had this done. In either case, the sooner the situation is remedied, the better. A professional duct cleaning service is capable of determining whether your ducts need to be cleaned, and how often they should be done. What’s more, there’s nothing better than peace of mind knowing the air you and your family are breathing in is safe and healthy.
At Power Vac, we pride ourselves on being a team of duct cleaning specialists. We’ve been in the business for more than 50 years, and our state-of-the-art tools and equipment are complemented by our dedication and expertise. The health of your family is as important to us as it is to you. Ready to start breathing a bit easier, and give those dirt ducts a cleaning? Contact us today.