How Dirty Air Ducts Affect Your Health

 

If your home, business or other space has dirty air ducts, if can affect the health and well being of the people inhabiting it. In some serious cases of dirty ducts, the indoor air pollution that they produce is worse than the air pollution outside of the home. The dirt and dust particles that can be floating around in your home are:

  • Dust
  • Tobacco Smoke By-Products
  • Fungal Spores
  • Pet Dander
  • Dust Mites
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Bacteria

There are many health problems that can be associated with the constant contact of these contaminants. A few common health problems we have seen due to dirty air ducts are:

Sinus Problems

When there is dirty or dusty air circulating in your space, the health of your sinuses can be at risk. With every breath you take, the air filled with dust or dirt particles will enter your nasal passages. These particles will stick in your passages and lead to inflammation that can cause infection.

Allergies

If you or a family member suffers from allergies, it can be a result from dirty ducts in the home. Mold spores, pollen and dust are constantly circulating through the air in the space and can lead to more serious allergy symptoms. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse, call your local HVAC specialist to have them take a look at the ductwork in your home.

Asthma

Asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to pollen, dust, mold and other substances that can be a result from poor quality of air. If you are coughing, wheezing, have shortness of breath or have chest pain or the feeling of tightness in your home rather that anywhere else, it may be a result of dirty ducts.

Respiratory Tract Infections

Dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants can have a major effect on your respiratory tract. Usually, the particles that are circulating in the air in your space can lead to upper respiratory problems such as:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Low grade fever
  • Sneezing

If these symptoms are not properly treated, it can lead to problems in the lower respiratory tract including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Dry or Itchy Skin

The circulation of mold and mildew in your home or business can greatly affect your body internally and externally. The fine particles that are circulated in your space can lead to skin disorders, including:

  • Eczema
  • Rashes
  • Hives

Mold accumulated from excessive humidity in spaces. You can test for mold in your home with kits that are sold online and at your nearest hardware store. You can rid your space of mold with cleaning ducts and installing the proper dehumidifier in your space. Mold can be detrimental to not only your health and well being, but the well-being of your space as well.

Other Benefits of Cleaning Dirty Ducts

Regular cleaning of your ductwork can reduce the health risks in any space. We recommend that air ducts should be cleaned thoroughly every three years or more frequently, depending on the health of the people living in these spaces. Along with pure air quality and health for your family, there are more benefits to cleaning your duct, including:

  • Longer heating and cooling system lifespan
  • Less dust throughout the house
  • Lower monthly utility costs
  • Better energy efficiency of the cooling and heating system
  • Reduce maintenance and repair needs

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