Worldwide, one in nine deaths is due to air pollution. What many people don't realize is that air pollution can often be worse indoors than it is outdoors.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, indoors is where it's not uncommon to find some concentrations of pollutants that are 2 to 5 times higher than what you'll find outside.
One way to ensure you and your family breathe easier is to get your dirty air ducts professionally cleaned. Keep reading to learn the health risks associated with dirty ducts.
What You'll Find in Dirty Air Ducts
You might be surprised at what you'll find hanging around in your dirty ductwork. Here are a few things that are building up in your air ducts and circulating throughout your home:
- Pet and human dander
- Dust and dust mites
- Pollen
- Bacteria and viruses
- Fungi and fungal spores
- Mold, mold spores, and mildew
- Chemical pollutants from tobacco smoke
It's also not uncommon to find both the feces and remains of disease-carrying rodents and insects. All of them can do some serious harm to your health.
Ways Dirty Air Ducts Negatively Affect Your Health
Dust in air ducts along with other contaminants decreases the quality and cleanliness of your home environment. Dirty air vents also cause the following health issues:
- Low-grade fevers
- Hives, eczema or hives
- Coughing or chronic coughing
- Sneezing, sore throat or throat irritation
- Difficulties breathing
- Wheezing or asthma or allergies worsen when at home
Even feeling lethargic and generally unwell can be caused by dirt and contaminated debris in your ductwork.
Mold in Air Ducts
Mold and mildew love air vents where their spores are naturally circulated. But not only will you end up with a bad smell in your home, if mold is present, it could also cause serious and permanent damage to your health.
Symptoms of mold exposure vary but common symptoms include:
- Chronic coughing and sneezing
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritated and itchy eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Difficulties breathing
Mold also irritates the mucus membranes of the nose and throat.
Dirty Air Ducts and the Sick Building Syndrome
Air ducts that aren't cleaned regularly have allergens like dust, pollen, and dander stuck in them. Over time they accumulate and every time the air ducts are used, the allergens blow about the building.
While not everyone breathing dirty air will be negatively affected, long-term exposure may cause respiratory diseases. Especially for those who are more at risk such as those with health conditions, the elderly, and the young.
Can Speed up the Aging Process
Breathing contaminated air from dirty ducts can make you feel tired for no real reason. It also speeds up the aging process.
Particle Matter (PMs) made from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increase age spots and wrinkles.
And it doesn't just speed up the aging process in your skin but in your lungs as well.
Creates Mental Stress
When too much debris accumulates in your air ducts, the filters no longer work properly. The dust is no longer removed but is now openly circulating throughout your home.
It's stressful to try to keep a home clean when dirty air ducts practically guarantee the dust will settle 15 minutes after you dust. Clean air ducts make it easier to keep your home dust-free.
When to Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
You should get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. More often if you live with pets or smokers in your home.
And if you find visible mold growth inside your ducts, it's time to get them cleaned.
How to Handle Mold
Here's what you need to know if you do find mold:
- Not all sections of your heating and cooling system make it easy to spot mold. Ask your service provider to show you the mold.
- Other substances resemble mold. A state-licensed mold assessor can collect samples and send them to a lab to confirm whether it's mold or not.
- Wet and moldy insulation that can't be cleaned effectively should be removed and replaced.
Also, you'll need to correct the underlying issue that caused the mold to grow in the first place. Otherwise, it'll just grow back.
Clogged Ducts
If your ducts are clogged with either large amounts of debris and dirt or worse, infested with vermin, call your AC contractor immediately. You should also call a pest removal service.
However, there are other times when it makes sense to schedule a cleaning such as:
- When you move to a new home
- After building a new home
- After a remodeling project
- If you own pets
If you notice you or others in your family are experiencing odd health issues, schedule an air duct cleaning appointment. There's a good chance those health problems you're experiencing are airborne.
Who to Call to Clean Your Dirty Air Vents?
It's not uncommon for carpet cleaning companies to send out coupons in the mail for a great deal on duct cleaning. The problem is that in the state of Florida it's a felony for anyone other than a licensed A/C contractor to even take a screw out of your vent.
Be aware of advertisements for “$99 whole house specials” that seem too good to be true. That's also known as a Bait and Switch.
Do Your Research
Check with the Better Business Bureau before you do business with an AC contractor. Confirm they're certified members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). They're the institution that sets the rules and guidelines.
Ask for two or three quotes to compare pricing between companies. And check online for testimonials and reviews to see what former customers have to say.
Call for Your Cleaning Today
If your indoor A/C unit needs cleaning, it's a good time to have your dirty air ducts cleaned as well. We're committed to educating our consumers while providing excellent customer service.
We also want to grow the industry within our local communities. We even offer residential service agreements to ensure you're safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Click here to learn more about our service agreements.
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