Can Dirty Air Ducts Make you Sick?

Your Vents & Ducts Could Be Clogged With Debris & Dust

A clear sign of dirty air vents is the appearance of a small cloud of dust when the heating or cooling system begins operating. Normally, there is no visible dust or debris inside an HVAC unit when the heater or cooler is turned on, and the airflow begins circulating through the ductwork. Visible dust indicates dusty air vents.

Your Air Filters May Be Clogged

If you have to replace filters in your HVAC system constantly, this may indicate a deeper problem. You should definitely change your filters regularly. They shouldn’t get clogged after a few weeks of replacing them. If they do so, this is a sign that you need to check on the air ducts. Air filters that are constantly getting clogged could play a factor as to why someone is always sick. 

• Learn more about our Atlanta dryer vent cleaning services.

Air filters can can trap allergen such as pet dander, pollen, dust, debris and other airborne contaminants. 

Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Building Syndromes occur when dust and dirt collect in your air ducts and cause health issues for people who live there. As the air in your duct system moves through the entire building, so too will any contaminants. Basically, this means every room that is connected to your air conditioning system carries a potential threat to your well-being.

Uncleaned Air Ducts Could Spread Disease

You read that correctly. Rodents and insects love to eat debris inside your air duct system, largely because they can hide there under the radar. However, these creatures also bring their own set of health risks, and when they crawl into your air ducts, they spread their germy diseases through the air you breathe.

As your duct becomes dirtier, the number or insects or rodents inside your system increases.

Why Keeping Your Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly is a Good Idea

Indoor air quality is a significant issue for many homeowners across the United States. It includes not only cigarette smoking but also the carbon monoxide emitted by heating systems and gas-fired appliances, as well as the particulate matter released by household cleaners and even just ordinary dust and debris. Over time, these dust mites accumulate in your home’s heating and cooling systems, and when they’re circulated through your home, they can spread allergens throughout your entire residence.

Yes, dirty air duct systems have a significant impact on our health. Not cleaning your air duct system will only make the problem get worse. It might be a bad idea to clean out your ears regularly, but it’s definitely a good idea to remove any earwax that has built up.