Dirty ducts often harbor harmful contaminants like pet dander, mildew, mold spores and other particles that aggravate respiratory problems. Regular duct cleaning will reduce these pollutants and keep them from recirculating throughout the home.
Some signs that it’s time for duct cleaning include unexplained illnesses, indoor allergies and an overall dusty house. Be sure to find a reputable NADCA contractor who follows best practices for duct cleaning. Find out more at duct cleaning Coquitlam.
Allergens
Allergens like dust, mold and pet dander are often trapped in dirty air ducts. They get circulated around the house whenever the HVAC system runs, aggravating allergy warning signs such as itchy eyes and a runny nose.
When these allergens accumulate, it can cause a variety of health issues including asthma attacks, sinusitis and bronchitis. They can also trigger headaches and fatigue.
During the cleaning process, contractors use high-powered vacuums, brushes and compressed air tools to remove accumulated dust and debris from inside the vents and ductwork. They may also apply sanitizing agents to kill any lingering microorganisms in the ductwork. Before hiring a company, ask them about the chemicals they plan to use and read their labels for EPA-registered uses and any health risks. Some sanitizers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release noxious fumes that can irritate the lungs. These include formaldehydes, benzene and toluene. These can aggravate asthma and allergies, particularly in children and the elderly.
Dust
Dust is a common home allergen and can cause a variety of ailments, including headaches, allergic reactions and respiratory problems. It also can irritate the skin.
Insufficient cleaning of ducts can result in an excessive buildup of dust, especially around vent openings and registers. This can block air flow, making your HVAC system work harder to keep your home comfortable and may damage your system over time.
A good duct-cleaning company will make sure that your vents are properly covered to prevent the spread of dust during the cleaning process. Then, they’ll use a long vacuum hose with specialized attachments to suck up the dust that accumulates inside your ductwork. They’ll also clean supply and return registers, which can be quite dirty and cluttered with dust. Before starting to clean, you should turn off your heating and cooling system and set the thermostat to the “FAN ON” setting (but leave both the COOL and HEAT mode off). Tap gently on your ductwork with the handle of your brush to loosen any clumps of dust that adhere to the walls.
Dirt
Dirty ducts can create dangerous airborne particles that circulate throughout your home. These particles can affect your health by causing irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat, or by contributing to respiratory problems.
A dirty duct system also provides a great breeding ground for vermin and insects. These pests can carry germs that can spread throughout your house, leading to more frequent illnesses among family members.
A dirty supply or return vent cover is a clear sign that your ducts need to be cleaned. The grime that builds up on these covers is from dust and dirt that was pushed into living spaces by your HVAC system, which then circulates this contaminated air. It’s best to have these signs looked into as soon as possible. This can help prevent more serious issues down the road. This is particularly true if anyone in the home suffers from allergies or asthma.
Mold
The spores of mold that grow in ductwork can cause respiratory problems for anyone, but especially sensitive individuals, children and elderly adults. Mold growth is usually indicated by a musty or rotten smell. Unexplained illnesses that worsen with the heating or cooling system running may also be a sign of mold in your air ducts.
Blackish, soot-like spots in air vents can be a sign of toxic Stachybotrys chartarum mold in your HVAC system. This mold grows in warm, humid places and often occurs along ducts. Symptoms of Stachybotrys mold include burning and congestion, nasal irritation, chest tightness and coughing. Although a number of substances can be black in color, only an expert can tell whether a particular stain or substance is toxic mold. A professional can find the source of the mold, kill it and prevent its return by addressing issues that promote moisture. The best way to keep the mold spores from spreading is to get your ducts cleaned regularly.