Air ducts are the structural framework of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They transport a large portion of the conditioned air in the HVAC system. Air ducts have a crucial function that makes them the guardians of homeowners’ health in regulated settings for multiple reasons.
The Impact of Dirty Air Ducts on Your Health
- Molds& Mildew: The Air duct systems get a moist environment for the molds and mildew to thrive. They can also emit airborne gases and harmful particles, which can lead to infection. Their foul smell is also uncomfortable and it may distract you from calmly dealing with the other annoyances.
- Allergies: Over time, allergens like pollen dust and pet dander can HARVEST in clogged or dirty air ducts. These allergens circulate through the controlled space and lead to severe respiratory disease. This “bad” air can create problems if you have any respiratory conditions.
- Infestation: Rodents and insects can call air ducts home as well as allergens. Different allergies and breathing problems can stem from insects as they carry allergens in their excretion and other waste materials. In addition, insect infestations can cause millions of pests to reproduce in a matter of hours. And since rodents can directly damage structures and Spew bacteria, they are a more serious threat. Inhalation of air laced with their droppings can make a person sick.
- Sinus Problems: The air duct system can also be a reason for sinus problems. Dust particles settle on surfaces and are reintroduced to the circulating air if they are not regularly cleaned. Those particles can get into the nasal passages and settle in the sinuses, causing inflammation and possible infections. Sinus infections can be dangerous and need to be treated right away. Goldstein suggests, Prevention is the most effective way to stop such an outcome.”
- Inadequate Ventilation and Cooling Systems: Dust or other particles accumulated within dirty air ducts can lead the air filter to become clogged thereby resulting in low air quality. Also, clogged dirt and dust particles can block the operation of heating and cooling systems dramatically. When this happens, the air filter becomes ineffective, and homeowners breathe in contaminated air that might make them sick.
Routine Maintenance — Why it Matters
Remember that air ducts are part of and the largest components of HVAC systems. Hence, they need routine maintenance like cleaning and repairs, commensurate to their size. Lack of this maintenance raises the risk for several ailments as a result of exposure to cross contaminated air. If your AC requires a seasonal inspection, please do not hesitate to contact our Mississauga HVAC experts.
