Air Duct Contaminants in HVAC System

Air Ducts Contaminants Commonly Found in HVAC Systems

In the past, we have discussed the importance of having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. However, most homeowners believe that their homes are clean enough that they don’t have to worry. You may be shocked to learn just how many harmful contaminants gather inside of your air ducts, even without you noticing them! Here are some of the biggest threats hiding in your HVAC system.

 Air Ducts Contaminants

The first category of air duct contaminants is a rather broad one, encompassing a wide range of debris. Inanimate particles can come from things like:

·      Everyday Dust and Dirt

·      Pet Dander

·      Dead Skin Cells from Humans

Inanimate particles coalesce to form a thin layer of dry dust inside your air ducts. When the HVAC system turns on, these particles are swept up and sent back out into your home. They float around and are breathed in. While everyone responds to these particles in different ways, we know that pet dander and dust can seriously irritate sinuses and allergies, and the more of these particles are in the air, the worse the symptoms will be.

Homeowners should be especially aware of inanimate particles in their HVAC system if they have been doing any work on their homes. These include:

·      Drywall Dust

·      Asbestos

·      Fiberglass

These particles usually come with heftier warnings because they are not safe for inhalation and could cause long-term breathing issues if you aren’t careful. Even if you have not completed any recent construction projects around the house, rusty lines in your HVAC system can cause debris to flake off the inside of your ducting and float down the line.

Air Ducts Living Particles

Unfortunately, your air ducts also provide a perfect place for mold and mildew to take root. When layers of dust gather in your air ducts, and then moisture gets in from a leak or condensation in your cooling system, you have a recipe for disaster. Once a mold spore takes hold in your system, it will continue to multiply until you begin to notice a smell in the ambient air of your home.

If there is mold in your air ducts, your system could be blowing loose spores out into the air, or onto your walls and surfaces where it will begin to grow anew. Remediation for serious mold issues like this can cost thousands of dollars and your health.

Bacterial growth is another issue. Bacteria tends to grow in warm, moist areas where it can replicate rapidly. The drip pan in your attic is one such place where bacterial growth could succeed. You should also keep in mind that when organic materials of any kind, including pollen and pet dander, build up in one place, they will eventually begin to decompose. This decomposition causes another growth of microorganisms as the material starts to break down, creating bacteria that flows through your ducts and winds up on your counter tops, beds and other surfaces where it can cause chronic or repeated illness.

How Do I Know if My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Now that you’ve seen some of the most common air duct contaminants, you can see why air duct cleaning in Phoenix is so necessary, but how do you know when it’s time?

In general, experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every other year to prevent excessive build up in your system. Also, you should have your ducts cleaned anytime there has been a water leak or a construction project that may have caused build up to accumulate faster than usual. If you feel like you are always dusting, or your allergies are getting consistently worse with time, having your air ducts cleaned is a good place to start. Even if it is not the only culprit, it can still provide notable improvements in your health. If you are noticing a moldy or mildew smell settling in your house, make sure you call right away because mold spores can cause significant damage to your health and home.

Water leaks in your ducts could be introducing outside particles into the system and make things even worse. Your ducts should be properly sealed and cleaned to keep your air conditioner in excellent shape year round.

Major Benefits of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

Many people don’t think about cleaning their air ducts until they are reminded. However, there are many positive benefits of keeping your air ducts clean year round. If you haven’t been keeping up with this chore, here are the top four reasons you should have an air duct cleaning scheduled this season:

A Cleaner Smelling Home

You may not notice it at first, but all the dust and dirt building up in your air duct can actually hold in smells that get spread throughout your home by your air conditioner or heater. The odors tend to become worse with time, often leading to a musty or dusty smell that hangs around even when the house is clean.

Fewer Allergens

For those who suffer from asthma and allergies, air duct cleaning is especially important. This is the only sure-fire way to keep pet dander, pollen, and dust from re-entering your home and causing a reaction. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more build-up there is, and it gets especially bad during the changing of seasons like spring and fall.

Improves Efficiency

One thing you may not know is that your air conditioner works hard to keep air flowing throughout your home. When your air ducts are not cleaned, all of the debris builds up in filters and restricts airflow. This means that your unit has to work extra hard to deliver fresh air to you. Cleaning your air ducts and replacing your filters can instantly restore your unit to its original efficiency, saving you money month after month.

Protecting Your Home

Finally, air duct cleaning in Phoenix is an important part of protecting your home and your belongings. When your ducts are not clean, they can stir up dust and debris and cause it to settle in your curtains, carpet, and upholstery. Even bookshelves and other hidden compartments can trap in the dust that your AC tosses out, meaning that you’ll have to do even more housework to keep up.

These are just the four most significant reasons that you should consider duct cleaning in Phoenix. Your whole family can feel the health benefits that come with clean ducts, and your home will enjoy a fresh new smell free from dust.