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Posted on August 18, 2017 by

Air duct checking

Dirty Air Ducts? Here are the Consequences

Do you recall the last professional cleaning of your air ducts? If you’re having trouble remembering when your last cleaning was, it may be due time to contact an HVAC expert and schedule a complete cleaning of your air ducts.

Signs That Your Air Ducts are Dirty

Allergy IssuesIf you notice any of the following symptoms, your home or business may be dealing with excess dirt and build-up in your air ducts:

  • There is excess pet hair or dust mites blowing from the vents
  • A musty smell occurs when your HVAC is turned on
  • Your vents are noisy or are whistling loudly
  • You or your loved ones are experiencing an increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory issues

Health Concerns

On top of the above issues, dirty air ducts can pose some serious health concerns and risks if there is long-term exposure to airborne irritants:

  • Respiratory infections: Over time, mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and other particles can build up within air ducts. As air blows from these ducts through your vents, these airborne irritants can trigger negative reactions in a human’s respiratory system. Symptoms of an irritated or infected respiratory system include sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, or a congested chest.
  • Asthma: If you or one of your loved ones has struggled with asthma previously, their symptoms can be aggravated or increased by exposure to airborne pollutants being blown through a home by dirty air Asthma Symptomsducts.

When your AC or heating system is activated at the start of a season, the air that blows through spreads these irritants which can trigger asthma attacks or symptoms in some.

If someone in your home struggles with controlling their asthma within the home, consider scheduling a professional and thorough air duct cleaning as soon as possible.

  • Sinus InfectionSinus Infection: Just like respiratory infections, sinus infections happen when mold, dust, pollen, or other airborne irritants are blown throughout a home from air ducts that have accumulated these particles.

Symptoms of a sinus infection or irritation include excessive sinus pressure behind the eyes or cheeks, headaches, a stuffy nose, and general fatigue.

If you or someone in your home experiences any of these symptoms or infections, the first step should be to seek medical attention. Afterward, make sure that you schedule a complete air duct cleaning by your local air duct or HVAC professionals.