When it comes to having and keeping a healthy home, people usually focus on surface cleanliness and fresh, healthy food. However, there is one crucial aspect of a healthy home, and unfortunately, it is often overlooked by many. When was the last time you really thought about the air you breathe at home? This air is directly influenced by the condition of your air ducts. If your air ducts are dirty, it can severely impact your health and that of those who reside in your home by causing respiratory and other health issues. This is where professional Orange County cleaners come into play. They help you keep your air ducts free from harmful pollutants. Let’s see how dirty air ducts negatively impact health.
How Dirty Air Ducts Negatively Impact Health
Air duct cleaning is usually not on people’s top priorities but understanding how dirty air ducts negatively impact health will hopefully motivate homeowners to regularly clean their air ducts to ensure a safer living environment.
Understanding Air Ducts
Before delving into the negative impact of air ducts on our health, it is good to know how air ducts work.
Air ducts circulate the air from your heating and cooling system throughout your home and ensures consistent indoor comfort no matter the season. However, these ducts accumulate dirt, dust, molds, debris and other contaminants over the passing of time. Not cleaning the air ducts regularly will lead to these pollutants being circulated throughout your living space, and potentially cause health problems. This is why air duct cleaning is important. Neglecting to clean them is just like neglecting your health.
How Dirty Air Ducts Negatively Impact Health
Respiratory Issues
Dust, pollen, pet dander, molds, and other allergens can accumulate in the ducts and be released into the air when the heating or cooling system operates. If you or any other family member living with you has asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory issues, their symptoms can worsen when they inhale these particles.
These allergens trapped in dirty air ducts can trigger coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. People with severe allergies can even develop serious complications such as sinus infection or bronchitis. Meanwhile, people with asthma can have it worse because these pollutants can cause asthma attacks that lead to shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Spread or Mold
Air ducts are the perfect breeding ground for molds, especially when there is moisture. Once mold starts to grow in your air ducts, the spores can circulate throughout your home. The bad news is inhalation of molds can cause serious health issues.
Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with weakened immune systems. These problems can range from mild irritation to more serious infections that require immediate medical attention.
Long-term exposure to black molds can lead to chronic illness. Some people may develop chronic inflammatory response syndrome, which affects different systems in the body. This syndrome can cause neurological and digestive problems, as well as body pain, mood swings, vertigo, and many others.
In extreme cases, black mold poisoning is possible.
Other Effects on Health
Continuous exposure to dirty air ducts can eventually lead to health problems whether or not you have pre-existing conditions. These health problems can include fatigue, headache, and malaise, which can affect one’s productivity and overall well-being.
Dust and other contaminants can also cause skin irritations, eye discomfort, and irritation.
Your immune system may also be affected by dirty air ducts. Continuous exposure to allergens, molds and other particles can weaken your immune system over time, making you more susceptible to viruses, infections, and illnesses.
Hire a Professional to Clean Your Air Ducts
Maintaining the cleanliness of your air ducts is not just about maintaining your HVAC system. It is actually protecting your health and that of your family. You can reduce the amount of dust, pet dander, molds and other contaminants circulating in your air by prioritizing regular cleaning and inspection of your air ducts.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution can actually be two to five times higher than outdoor pollution. But you can do something about the air in your home. Make sure that it is safe to breathe. Request a quote from a professional air duct cleaner today.