Did you know that the air you breathe inside your home could be more polluted than the air outside if you aren’t cleaning your air ducts? It’s true!
Indoor air pollution is a growing problem in the United States. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health risks.
One of the main sources of indoor air pollution is dirty air ducts. When your air ducts are full of dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens, they can circulate these contaminants throughout your home, causing respiratory problems, allergy flare-ups, and other health issues.
In this article, we’ll discuss seven ways unclean air ducts can affect your health. We’ll also provide some tips on how you can improve the air quality in your home by cleaning your air ducts.
So, let’s get started!
1. Allergies and Asthma
One of the most common ways unclean air ducts can affect your health is by exacerbating allergies and asthma. Dust mites, mold, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate in your air ducts over time and be circulated throughout your home every time your HVAC system turns on.
2. Respiratory Infection
If you have a respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia, unclean air ducts can make your symptoms worse. Dust, mold, and other allergens can aggravate your respiratory system and make it more difficult to breathe.
3. Fatigue
Dirty air ducts can also cause fatigue. When you breathe in air that’s full of contaminants, your body has to work harder to filter out the toxins. This can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of being run-down.
4. Headache
Another symptom of unclean air ducts is headaches. Headaches can be caused by a variety of things, but one of the most common is a lack of oxygen. When you breathe in contaminated air, your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs, which can lead to a headache.
5. Depression
Depression is another mental health condition that can be caused by unclean air ducts. When you’re constantly breathing in contaminants, it can have a negative effect on your mood, leading to depression.
6. Skin Problems
Unclean air ducts can also cause skin problems. When you breathe in contaminants, they can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. This can lead to various skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
7. Eye Irritation
Another symptom of unclean air ducts is eye irritation. When you breathe in contaminants, they can cause your eyes to water and become irritated. This can lead to various problems, such as blurred vision, redness, and swelling.
How to Keep Your Air Ducts Clean Longer
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
The most important way to keep your air ducts clean is to change your air filter regularly. Air filters trap dust, dirt, and other contaminants, so it’s important to replace them every few months. This will help reduce the amount of dust and dirt that can accumulate in your air ducts.
2. Vacuum Regularly
Another way to keep your air ducts clean is to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your air ducts will help remove any dust and dirt that has accumulated over time. It’s important to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that all of the particles are removed.
3. Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
Finally, it’s a good idea to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every couple of years. Professional cleaners use powerful vacuums and cleaning agents to remove all of the built-up dust and dirt from your air ducts. This will help keep your air ducts clean and free from contaminants.
Conclusion: Cleaning Your Air Ducts
Unclean air ducts can have a severe impact on your health. They can cause various health issues, such as allergies, asthma, and even cancer. Poor air quality in the home can also lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is important to have your air ducts cleaned regularly to ensure the air you breathe is free of harmful contaminants. You should also ensure that your air filters are replaced regularly and that your HVAC system is properly maintained. This will help to keep the air quality in your home healthy and safe.
Duct Doctor Birmingham specializes in air duct cleaning with our patented industry-leading vacuum truck that cleans and disinfects air ducts and ventilation systems. Our experienced professionals guarantee to rid your home of dust, allergens, and even vermin to keep your property sanitary and safe. If you need air duct cleaning service in Birmingham, AL, get in touch with us today!