
Over time, debris builds up in your ducts in your Estero, FL home. If left for too long, the debris buildup can make you sick. Here are four health risks of dirty air ducts that you’ll want to avoid.
1. Allergies
Many of the things that get stuck in your ducts are allergens, like dust, dust mites, pollen and pet dander. These allergens may get stuck in there for a while, but they don’t stay stuck forever.
When your furnace or air conditioner turns on, allergens can blow around your house, even if you have a high-quality, clean furnace filter. Having these allergens in your air can worsen existing allergies or even trigger new allergies.
2. Pulmonary Problems
Constantly breathing in dust and particulate matter is harmful to your lungs and heart. Prolonged exposure to dirty air can lead to high blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
3. Respiratory Infections
Dirty ducts are havens for bacteria and viruses. When your HVAC system turns on, those pathogens find their way throughout your house and can make you sick, especially in the winter. If you are feeling constantly run down or unwell, your ducts may be to blame.
4. Less Airflow
Dirty ducts do not distribute as much air to your home as clean ducts do. The dust and dirt caked onto the side of the ducts blocks air from moving through the system.
Your HVAC system cleans your air, so less airflow through the system means less clean air to go around. As a result, the air in your house could become stale or musty, worsening whatever respiratory problems you may be having.
If you can’t remember the last time your ducts were professionally cleaned, call Certified Heating and Cooling Inc. for a professional duct cleaning. We can make your home healthy again.
Image provided by iStock