You probably know that dust, dirt and debris can accumulate throughout the duct work in your home over time, but what else might be lurking in there? And if you let it continue to build up, will your family’s health be affected? What about your HVAC system itself?

The fact is that as dust and debris build up in your ducts, it can make it easy for pollutants like mold, bacteria, germs, dust mites, and other allergens to make themselves at home deep within them. Your air filter can help keep a lot of these contaminants from circulating throughout your home, but certain parts of your HVAC system can still be affected. This can easily shorten the life of your system, and in extreme circumstances can also affect your family’s overall health.

How Air Duct Cleaning Can Make for a Healthier Home

If you’ve noticed that lately the surfaces in your home seem to be covered in a fine layer of dust no matter how often you’re cleaning, it could be a sign that it’s time to get your air ducts cleaned. Let’s take a closer look at how removing the pollutants mentioned above with a thorough air duct cleaning procedure can help improve your home’s indoor air quality:

• Dust, dirt and debris: Dust and dirt that accumulate in your ducts can restrict air flow as well as how effectively your HVAC system is heating and cooling your home. Dust can contain not only dirt, but also hair particles, pet dander, dead skin, and even rodent feces!
• Mold: Mold grows best in warm, humid or damp conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Many people have adverse reactions to mold in the air, such as eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, or skin irritation.
• Bacteria: Both dirt and mold can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow. As these particles are released into the air they are easily inhaled by your family, and can not only cause respiratory issues but can even damage your immune system.
• Dust mites: Dust mites live and easily multiply in warm, humid places and are the most common cause of allergies from house dust. They are difficult to remove; they’re found in pillows and bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpeting and get disturbed when you vacuum or even just simply get into bed at night. They can also easily accumulate in your ducts with all the other dirt and debris living in there.

If you haven’t had your air ducts cleaned in several years- or, possibly, you’ve never had them cleaned, it’s a good idea to schedule service. You can help alleviate any allergies your family might suffer and keep them healthier, plus extend the life of your HVAC system.

Worried about the indoor air quality of your home? If you’re in the Cleveland area and would like to get your ducts cleaned, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.