The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning dirty ducts often contain harmful contaminants and microorganisms like pet dander, mildew, and mold spores. Regular air duct cleaning removes these toxins and promotes healthy living.
If you’re not sure if you need your air ducts cleaned, look for environmental indicators such as large amounts of dust in your home or a musty smell when you open your vents. Then call a professional!
Air Filters
Air filters work by allowing air to pass through the filter medium with fine openings, while removing unwanted particles that are larger than those openings. However, these air filters are not effective if they are dirty.
Dust, dander, pollen and other allergens can accumulate in your ductwork over time. These particles are then circulated throughout your house, causing respiratory irritation. If you have a family member with allergies or asthma, the constant influx of these irritants can make their condition worse.
Other contaminants can also build up in your ductwork. Rodents often use ductwork as a passageway to the outside, leaving behind droppings and carcasses in your ductwork. These contaminates spread through the system, making everyone in the house sick. Some companies may suggest applying chemical biocides or sealants to the inside of ductwork or equipment housings. However, these products have not been tested for safety or effectiveness in ducts. They also may encourage mold growth, which can lead to more health problems.
Allergens
Allergies can cause a laundry list of uncomfortable symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and coughing. The culprits are usually airborne, and they include things like dust mites, pollen, dander from cats or dogs, mold spores, bacteria and viruses.
Many of these allergens settle in air ducts, and they get circulated around the home when the heat or air conditioning is running. The good news is that a clean air duct can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in the home.
Even if your home surfaces regularly dusted and swept, there will still dust in the air. That’s because air ducts carry that dust to other surfaces and blow it around the house every time the air conditioner or heater turns on. Allergens like pet dander, mold spores and pollen also enter the home through open windows or doors, on clothing or shoes or as part of the people who live in the house.
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners wipe dust off of picture frames and countertops, but they rarely think to clean the dust that gathers in the vents. Over time this dust can accumulate, reducing airflow and causing your AC system to run more frequently. When you clean the air ducts, it helps your heating and cooling equipment to function more efficiently and decreases your energy bill.
While a light amount of dust in air ducts is not harmful, a build-up can contribute to health problems. The re-circulation of contaminants and dust can aggravate asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. Air duct cleaning removes a wide variety of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and mildew.
If your family experiences unexplained health issues or you have noticed an increase in indoor allergies, it may be a good idea to hire a professional for an air duct inspection. Before the technician arrives, tidy up the space so they can easily access all of your HVAC equipment and vents. It is a good idea to be present during the entire process so you can ask questions and address any concerns.
Health
Dirty air ducts can breed bacteria, mildew and mold spores, which then redistributed throughout the home. These contaminates are bad for your lungs, particularly the developing lungs of children, and can exacerbate allergy symptoms.
If you have pets, animal dander can build up in your air ducts over time. It’s also a perfect breeding ground for germs and fungus. Cleaning your ducts will remove pet dander and the toxins associated with it.
Air ducts can also hold odors such as smoke, mildew and paint agents. This can cause the entire space to smell musty and stale, which is unpleasant for everyone.
Cleaning your ducts can dramatically improve the quality of the air that you and your family breathe. It is an inexpensive and worthwhile service for your health. If you considering getting your ducts cleaned, make sure to clear out the space around your HVAC system and vents on the day of your appointment.