How Dirty Ductwork Affects your Health

Dirty ducts within a home means dirty air in all of your living spaces. In some cases, the amount of indoor air pollution could exceed that of the outdoors. Since many people spend the majority of their day inside at home, this means that you could be experiencing a wide variety of health problems, all because of dirty air ducts. Our Venice, FL heating and cooling specialists explain how dirty ducktwork affects your health and what you can do about the situation.

Sinus Problems

All the dust and debris in the air ducts get blown into your home’s living spaces with each cycle of the air conditioner or heater. This means that with each breath you take, some of these particles enter your nasal passages. The particles can work their way into your sinuses, causing inflammation which can lead to infection. Sinus infections are a painful condition that can have complications if left untreated.

Allergies

Dust, mold spores and pollen are among the most common particles that dirty air ducts harbor. In people allergic to these substances, the dirty air ducts could set off or lengthen allergy attacks. If you notice that your allergy symptoms are worse at home and then subside when spending time elsewhere, the ducts are likely to be a major factor contributing to your symptoms.

Asthma

For people with asthma, an attack can be triggered by exposure to dust, pollen, mold and other substances commonly found in dirty ductwork. If asthma symptoms are worse at home than anywhere else,  dirty air ducts could be the reason why.

Respiratory Infections

Along with allergens, viruses, fungi and bacteria can also hang out in the dirty air ducts. Every time air passes through the system, some of these germs are blown out and into your living spaces. As a result, you might get sick with respiratory infections more frequently than would be expected.

Why Duct Cleaning Is Important

Regular professional duct cleaning every three years or more frequently can prevent or reduce many health problems. There are also additional benefits to keeping your home’s air ducts clean, including:

• Better energy efficiency of the cooling and heating system.
• A cleaner heating and cooling system, which could reduce maintenance and repair needs.
• Longer heating and cooling system lifespan.
• Less dust throughout the house.
• Lower monthly utility costs.

Keeping your home’s air ducts clean is a part of regular home maintenance. Professionally cleaned ducts can improve health while also delivering a more comfortable and energy efficient indoor environment. For information about our current duct cleaning specials or to schedule ductwork cleaning, give us a call at Custom Air Heating & Cooling any time.