Clean Your Air Ducts Before the Holidays
The time for holiday cheer is fast approaching, bringing with it colder climates and the potential for winter storms. As outdoor temperatures start to drop, homeowners should begin taking steps to stay warm indoors and keep the winter weather out. However, preparing your home for winter involves more than just closing storm windows and turning on the heat. Checking your home’s furnace filter and air ducts is important for maintaining your home’s indoor air quality and keeping you and your family healthy all season long. 
The Hidden Dangers in Your Air Ducts
Your heating and cooling system acts as the lungs of your home, with a connected network of air ducts throughout the building to circulate air from one room to another. Over time, dirt, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants can build up and recirculate around your home five to seven times a day on average. Homes are built to be airtight to keep the heat in and the cold out. This means that circulating contaminants are trapped indoors which could contribute to breathing or health issues, especially during winter months when little fresh air gets inside.
Having a spotless home in preparation for the changing seasons and the annual visits from family is usually high on many homeowner’s holiday to-do lists. However, many common household products used to clean the home are made with organic chemicals that emit natural gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are bad for your indoor air quality. These compounds can be found in cleaners, hobby supplies, aerosol sprays, and even candles.
On top of dealing with the potential allergen build-up in your ductwork, which could cause increased sneezing and coughing, VOCs bring their own health problems. When exposed to low levels of VOCs over a period of time, people, especially those with respiratory problems, may start to experience nausea, headaches, or dizziness. Exposure to high levels of VOCs may lead to more serious conditions like kidney damage, cancer, or problems with your nervous system.
How Air Duct Cleaning Boosts Holiday Cheer
If you notice increased allergy symptoms or difficulty breathing when the heat is turned on, you may need to address the air quality inside your home with air duct cleaning. Removing, or limiting, the build-up of pollutants in your home before closing everything up for the winter is a crucial step in preventing the negative health effects caused by continued exposure to poor indoor air quality. Maintaining your home’s ventilation system will ensure it is free from dirt, dust, and other things that can clog filters and impact air flow. With a clean heating and cooling system, anyone suffering from poor indoor air quality can instead focus on fighting off the flu or common cold that frequently puts a damper on celebrations.
Hire a NADCA Professional to Get the Job Done Right
The best way to prepare your home for winter is to schedule a maintenance check-up with your local NADCA certified contractor. NADCA, the premiere organization certifying air duct cleaners, makes it easy for homeowners to find certified air duct cleaners on its website. Visit the Find-a-Professional feature on NADCA’s website to find a certified air duct cleaner in your area.