Air Quality Consequences Of Dirty Air Ducts

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If you have dirty air ducts, your central air conditioning may not work as efficiently as it should. Inspecting and cleaning your air ducts is not a do-it-yourself home project, and because of this, you will need to contact an air conditioning maintenance services technician.

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, or HVAC system, can become contaminated with dust, allergens, and debris, which is unhealthy for you and your family. Here are some consequences of dirty air ducts and how your air conditioning maintenance technician can help improve your indoor air quality:

Pervasive Odors

Dirty air ducts may be responsible for a host of pervasive odors that can sicken your family and diminish the quality of your indoor air. Animal smells such as those caused by dander, dead skin cells, kitty litter, urine and feces, and pet hair can get trapped in your air ducts. Rarely, rodents and birds can find their ways into your ventilation system, and if they are unable to escape, they may expire inside your ductwork.

As the animal carcass decomposes, noxious smells may infiltrate your home, resulting in illness and hard-to-remove odors from the soft fabrics of your furniture, carpets, and drapery. Your ductwork and ventilation system may also pick up odors from your sewer system and household drains. If you smell sewer gas or unpleasant drain odors emanating from your vents when your air conditioner is turned on, especially if you hear gurgling noises in your sink or toilet, you will need to call both a plumber and an air conditioning maintenance technician.

When drain and sewer systems are in good working order, associated odors are less likely to pervade your home via your ventilation system. If gaseous odors emanate from your vents when your central air conditioner is turned on, call your HVAC technician, who can inspect and clean the ductwork so that your air will smell clean and fresh.

Airborne Particulate

Another consequence of dirty air ducts is the proliferation of airborne particulate that can get blown into your home when your air conditioner turns on. While particulate from pet dander and dust can compromise your air quality, one of the most dangerous types of household airborne particulate is mold spores.

Mold can grow inside your air ducts as a result of dampness from roof leaks and high humidity, and if not quickly identified and cleaned, spores may infiltrate your air. While inhaling mold spores is unhealthy for everyone, it can be especially harmful to people with asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergies, and compromised immune systems.

The inhalation of mold spores can raise the risk for sinus and pulmonary fungal infections, which are often very resistant to treatment. If you detect a musty smell originating from your ductwork, or if you suspect your roof is leaking, call an air conditioning service technician to inspect your air ducts. If the technician uncovers evidence of mold in your ventilation system, he or she will make an effort to clean it; however, if mold damage is extensive, you will either need to consult with a mold mitigation specialist or replace your ductwork. 

If you suspect that your air ducts are dirty or otherwise in disrepair, make an appointment with an air conditioning services technician. He or she will inspect your ventilation system and ductwork and make recommendations about cleaning and maintenance so that you and your family stay safe and healthy. Regular air duct cleaning and maintenance will also help ensure that your HVAC system remains in good working order so that you can avoid high energy bills and costly repairs. 

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13 June 2019

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