Did you know that up to two-thirds of the dust you find inside your home consists of outdoor dust? In turn, vehicle exhaust, particulate matter, and soil make up outdoor dust.
Previous studies also found indoor air to harbor heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic. In fact, scientists found that up to 60% of arsenic in floor dust originates from the surrounding air.
Unless you have clean air ducts, you and your loved ones can get exposed to these harmful substances.
On that note, we created this guide that delves deep into the benefits of clean air ducts. Read on to discover how exactly air duct cleaning can help your family breathe easier and safer.
1. Clean Air Ducts Can Help Stave off Sick Building Syndrome
Research suggests that the economic burden of sick building syndrome (SBS) in the US is $20 to $70 billion. Most of these costs are due to lost productivity, medical costs, and missed workdays.
SBS can trigger coughing, runny nose, breathing issues, dry throat, headaches, and dizziness. It can even cause dermal symptoms, such as rashes!
One of the causes of SBS cited by the EPA is poor or inadequate building ventilation. This can happen due to problems with heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. For example, an HVAC system can contribute to SBS due to inefficient air distribution.
Now, keep in mind that the role of your ductwork system is to circulate air throughout your home. Some of the pollutants in the air can settle in or on the ducts. These particles can then mix with the next “batch” of air that flows through the network.
From there, your ducts can carry the now-contaminated air to various areas of your home. Many of the pollutants can also clog your HVAC filters, hindering airflow. All these can then put you and your family at risk of SBS signs and symptoms.
With that said, preventing SBS is one of the chief benefits of cleaning dirty air ducts. In this way, clean air ducts can also help avert asthma or allergies, as they have symptoms similar to those of SBS.
2. There’s More Than Lead and Arsenic in Indoor Air
There’s also pollen, pet dander, as well as insect and animal parts. Vehicle tire particles can also make their way into your home via outdoor air.
What’s more, a group of researchers identified at least 45 different chemicals in indoor dust. Worse, these substances are hazardous, especially for children’s health.
Experts link some of these chemicals with cancer. Others may also contribute to reproductive or hormone problems.
Your home’s ductwork can worsen things by circulating these substances in indoor air. You and your loved ones can then breathe in all those harmful particles that get mixed with the indoor air.
That should be a good enough reason to invest in air duct cleaning services.
3. Indoor Dust May Be a Factor in Weight Gain
A separate study found more than 100 chemicals in indoor dust samples. Of these, about 70% showed an ability to cause fat cells to develop. Large amounts of these substances were in households with overweight or obese kids.
While inhaling these chemicals won’t make you gain weight overnight, it’s a risk you don’t want to take. Especially not if you have kids, as they have a higher exposure risk by putting dusty toys in their mouths.
So, if you haven’t cleaned the air ducts in your Venice home for about three years now, today’s the best time to do so. The sooner you do, the sooner you can enjoy healthier indoor air.
4. Air Duct Cleaning Services Can Reveal Duct Leaks
Air leaks can account for 25% to 40% of a household’s heating and cooling costs. While many of these leaks occur in windows and doors, they can also happen in your Venice home’s ductwork. The flex piping, duct pipes, and joints can develop cracks that allow conditioned air to leak.
Professional HVAC technicians can discover these problems when they clean your ducts. After getting rid of dirt, debris, and grime, they can inspect for loose connections and holes. It’s also easier to detect dents and worn out parts that may be contributing to air leaks if you have clean air ducts.
5. Molds Spores Can Spread Through Air Ducts
Experts say that one in two US homes have mold or dampness problems. Many of these residential properties are in humid areas, as molds thrive in places with a lot of moisture.
This puts your home in Venice, FL, at risk, as the city has above average humidity year-round. In fact, even the least humid months have a high relative humidity (RH) rate of about 70%. It gets even muggier in September, with the RH levels averaging 78%.
Since molds are ubiquitous, they can find their way into your home’s ductwork. From there, your HVAC system can spread them by circulating air all over your home. If your Venice home’s indoor moisture levels are high, molds can proliferate in it.
Keep in mind that molds only need water, oxygen, and food sources to germinate. Their spores can grow within 24 to 48 hours after they land on an organic surface within a damp environment. From there, they can damage your home’s structural components and your family’s health.
All that should prompt you to check your ducts out, especially if you haven’t cleaned them for years. Special air duct cleaning machines can get rid of biological growths in your ducts.
Don’t Underestimate the Dangers of Dirty Air Ducts
HVAC systems can keep temperature-related illnesses at bay, but they can also be a health risk. This is especially true for ill-maintained ductwork, which can harbor and spread pollutants.
All that should be enough reason to maintain clean air ducts at all times.
Ready to make your indoor air cleaner and safer for your entire family? If so, then we here at Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating can help! Connect with us now to learn about our quality-guaranteed air duct cleaning services.
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