How Dirty AC Ducts Can Affect Your Home
Most of the issues with indoor air are due to having dirty AC ducts. Homes commonly have HVAC systems that provide AC year round. Air circulates through the ductwork and provides cool air during the summer as well as warm air during the winter. As time goes on, this ductwork turns into a nesting ground for many types of bacteria, debris and microbes. These microbes and bacteria can be harmful to us, particularly to anyone who is suffering with upper respiratory issues like allergies and asthma. Even people who are in perfect health can become ill from dirty ducts. Therefore it is essential that you get your ducts cleaned when needed depending on how often you use your system. If you are cleaning your HVAC system filter more than once monthly, it might be due to dirty ducts. If your system requires frequent dusting, this could also be a sign of dirty ducts. Below are a couple ways dirty ducts can affect your home.
They Contribute to Allergens
Pollen, dust mites, animal dander and mold are some common airborne allergens. If you are susceptible to these types of allergies, you should understand why avoiding them is important. Consider this: If they travel through the air, they can end up in your ductwork at some point. Debris and dust may build up in your ducts and when there is moisture present, this can result in mold as well. Since air ducts are typically out of mind since they are out of sight, allergens can easily build up and go unnoticed for a long time. This is the reason people who suffer with allergies or illnesses that are unexplained should have their air ducts cleaned.
Dirty Ducts May Grow Mold and Cause you to Get Sick
Mold that grows in households can cause different ailments. Small mold spores are often hidden in your duct work that can spread through your home's air. The issue is most likely to happen in conditions that are humid. Humid climates produce moisture and promote the growth as well as spreading of small mold spores or mildew. Spores like these can be thought of as tiny seeds that float in the air. If your home is contaminated severely, it could possibly have thousands of these spores floating in your air. Mold can harm your health. It is especially important that you keep the humidity levels in your home low to prevent bacteria and mold growth in your duct work. Mold spores can hide in the AC ducts and mix with dirt and dust that is present in dirty AC vents. AC vents often produce pollutants and harbor them like bacteria and mold. Health issues can occur from mold in your AC ducts.
Elderly, infants and people who are sick or have allergies are more sensitive to the microbes like algae, dust mites, bacteria, mildew and fungi that can cause respiratory issues. To eliminate odor-causing contaminants and microorganisms that are associated with allergies, bacterial growth and mildew, you can use a sanitizer that is highly effective in killing them. This is not done by the homeowner. An air-duct specialist would need to come in and do it. You should be cautious of any company that charges too low or exorbitant fees though.
They Contribute to Allergens
Pollen, dust mites, animal dander and mold are some common airborne allergens. If you are susceptible to these types of allergies, you should understand why avoiding them is important. Consider this: If they travel through the air, they can end up in your ductwork at some point. Debris and dust may build up in your ducts and when there is moisture present, this can result in mold as well. Since air ducts are typically out of mind since they are out of sight, allergens can easily build up and go unnoticed for a long time. This is the reason people who suffer with allergies or illnesses that are unexplained should have their air ducts cleaned.
Dirty Ducts May Grow Mold and Cause you to Get Sick
Mold that grows in households can cause different ailments. Small mold spores are often hidden in your duct work that can spread through your home's air. The issue is most likely to happen in conditions that are humid. Humid climates produce moisture and promote the growth as well as spreading of small mold spores or mildew. Spores like these can be thought of as tiny seeds that float in the air. If your home is contaminated severely, it could possibly have thousands of these spores floating in your air. Mold can harm your health. It is especially important that you keep the humidity levels in your home low to prevent bacteria and mold growth in your duct work. Mold spores can hide in the AC ducts and mix with dirt and dust that is present in dirty AC vents. AC vents often produce pollutants and harbor them like bacteria and mold. Health issues can occur from mold in your AC ducts.
Elderly, infants and people who are sick or have allergies are more sensitive to the microbes like algae, dust mites, bacteria, mildew and fungi that can cause respiratory issues. To eliminate odor-causing contaminants and microorganisms that are associated with allergies, bacterial growth and mildew, you can use a sanitizer that is highly effective in killing them. This is not done by the homeowner. An air-duct specialist would need to come in and do it. You should be cautious of any company that charges too low or exorbitant fees though.
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