Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Air Duct Cleaning
The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for another cold and snow-filled winter this year. For most of us, staying inside is the only answer. While staying indoors protects us from the dangerous elements of winter, we face another danger indoors.
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. With little fresh outdoor air coming in during the colder months and an increase in the time people and animals spend indoors, the air quality inside our homes begins to worsen. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.
Through normal occupation in a home, we generate plenty of contaminants and air pollutants such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day. Over time, this recirculation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork.
These dirty ducts may be contributing to larger health issues or be harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for those with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.
The contaminants include:
- Molds
- Pollen
- Bacteria
- Dust Mites
- Residues from chemicals and household products
When it comes to air ducts, prevention is the best medicine. The way you maintain your ducts can minimize contamination and reduce the need for costly repairs down the road. When done correctly, annual maintenance is very beneficial to the air inside your home and the longevity of your air handling units.
Air duct cleaning can improve your indoor air quality by reducing the number of airborne pollutants circulating in your home. As mentioned before, air pollutants such as pollen and mold can be lurking in your home’s air ducts. They settle in the ductwork and when your air conditioner or heater get turned on can make their way into your living area where they are easily breathed in. As they circulate, these contaminants can contribute to breathing disorders, including asthma and allergies.
Paying attention to cleaning your indoor air is very important. Protect your indoor air quality and prepare for the colder months by scheduling your maintenance checkup with your local NADCA certified contractor.