Just like any other part of your home, it is important to keep your air ducts clean. Dirt, debris, microbes, and pests can build up in your air ducts the same way they can in any other areas if not taken care of properly. Dirty air ducts can cause many problems in your home, and they are unique because they run throughout your entire house. That means that a problem in one section of air ducts in your home could very easily and quickly spread to other parts of your home.
Here we’re covering a few problems that could possibly come from dirty ducts so that you can act on them if you suspect any are present in your home.
Low Air Quality
Low air quality inside a home can be caused by many things, and dirty ducts could be one of the factors impacting yours. When not properly maintained, dirty ducts can accelerate the spread of dust, debris, pollen, and other undesirable particles throughout the home. This can contribute to a decrease in the quality of your home’s air and cause a host of problems, the least of which may be general discomfort and noticeably dustier surfaces.
Infestations
Dirty air ducts are a breeding ground for a number of pests, including rodents and insects. Pest problems need to be dealt with immediately when they are discovered, but it is better to never have them happen at all. Dirty ducts will attract these pests and give them a space to safely multiply. Air ducts are a very hard place for the average homeowner to inspect themselves, so often it can be hard to know if an environment has been created for these pests to live.
Respiratory Irritation
Dirty air ducts create an environment that mold, mildew, dust, debris, pests, and pets can all contribute to worsening. All of these negative factors can release various particles, such as spores from mold and dander from pets, that can cause respiratory irritation. This is especially important to consider if you have a family member or person that lives in your home that has respiratory illnesses, asthma, sensitivity to allergens, or is immunocompromised. Keeping your air ducts clean is a good way to ensure that these people are not negatively impacted by the air inside of your home.
Unpleasant Odors
Your home is a place of comfort, and smell is an important part of that comfort. Dirty air ducts, however, can impact that smell. Mold, mildew, pests, and buildup from pets can all negatively impact the smell of your home, and if the problem has grown enough that it has rooted itself in your ducts, it can be hard to get that odor removed. We all know the importance of smell in a home and keeping your air ducts clean will help you ensure that your home smells exactly the way you want it to.
Your local professionals at Triad Mechanical can help you determine what you need to do to keep your ducts clean. We’ll talk to you about how often they should be cleaned (we recommend every 5 years), as well as help you with any other HVAC questions you may have! Reach out to us at our website or give us a call at 770-682-0075.