Have you ever thought about what lurks behind the vents of your HVAC system?
You may think that it is probably best not to think about, but actually what is inside could be having an adverse effect on your family’s well-being. You may also not be aware that, regular cleaning of your ducts, vents, and filters is essential maintenance.
If you have been experiencing some unexplainable coughs, colds, or irritations lately you will want to read our guide. Find out just how bad a dirty HVAC system is for you and your household.
The Common Symptoms of a Dirty HVAC System
Do you or any of your family members regularly feel lethargic or unwell at home? Are they experiencing more respiratory problems than seems normal? If so, they could be experiencing one of the many common symptoms of a dirty HVAC system.
Other common symptoms include
- Headaches
- Skin complaints such as eczema or unexplained rashes
- A constant runny nose like having a cold
- Sore throats or significant throat irritation
- Worsening of asthma or allergies
All these are symptomatic of the air ducts in your household becoming clogged with allergens and dirt.
What Kind of Dirt Causes Health Problems?
If your HVAC system has not been serviced or cleaned for a long time, there is a very good chance that it has become dirty. All kinds of filth from a variety of different sources can start to gather in the system if left untreated.
Pollen
Pollen from trees and flowers nearby vegetation can blow into the external ducts and travel into your HVAC system. They will then be able to spread deeper into the house.
Lots of different allergies and irritations can be caused by pollen. You will likely see an increase in breathing difficulties, watery eyes, and skin irritations.
Vermin Waste
The ducts can contain feces and even the dead remains of rodents and other smaller animals that access the system. They will use these to move about your property and sometimes even as a habitation.
Your ducts need to be cleaned regularly to be free from vermin. They can spread diseases especially respiratory illnesses and colds via bacteria and viruses.
If you feel your family is suffering from a persistent cough it is worth checking your HVAC system for infestation.
Fur, Hair, and Dander
Your own body sheds around 40,000 dead skin cells every day. This does not include hair loss and the shedding of fur and dander from any pets in your house.
Microscopic hairs and skin cells will gather in the system and begin to form larger bodies of dust. These eventually become clogs and larger blockages in your ducts.
An increase in allergies or throat irritation may suggest that you need to clean your HVAC system soon.
Mold and Fungal Spores
Mold, mildew, and fungus can begin to form in the condensation left in your HVAC system if left unmanaged for too long. Fungal and mold spores can pass unnoticed and unseen to the human eye throughout the house.
Breathing in spores can cause a plethora of health issues but is terrible for skin conditions. If you or your family are suffering from regular rashes, hives, and irritated skin complaints, check your HVAC system.
How to Clean an HVAC System?
This is a job for the professionals. An experienced HVAC engineer can identify problems within your ducts and remove any contagions with expert care.
If you feel that your family has been under the weather a bit more than normal lately perhaps it is time to investigate your HVAC system.
We can help you with all of your HVAC and appliance need, so please don’t hesitate to check out our contact page fo
