Imagine it’s summer (it’ll be here soon!). It’s hot. And your HVAC is doing the job. And doing it well!
Anyone with an a/c in their house or apartment knows the great relief it provides on those hot summer days. The only thing on our minds is how great it feels to be indoors as we look out the window and see the sun’s rays beaming onto the asphalt.
And while admiring the cool air inside, it’s very—very—easy to forget your part in ensuring the HVAC performs its best for your comfort and health.
Just as air ducts are essential to delivering the cool air we love, it also becomes the perfect place for a breeding ground.
But for what?
1. The Alternaria Mold.
While many molds can appear in your air ducts, the Alternaria mold is the most common. It’s typically dark in color, either gray, black, or brown. You’ll generally see clusters of dark spots in one area. But they spread quickly if not treated.
The Alternaria mold thrives in moist areas. Therefore, your air ducts are their idea of a perfect home. As the infestation worsens, you’ll notice some health issues you may not think are related. The body usually presents allergy or cold symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.
So, if you don’t have asthma and find it odd you have a cold, it’s a good idea to look at your air ducts.
2. Lots and lots and lots of dust.
Speaking of feeling sick, significant dust accumulation may also be bundling up inside the air ducts, creating a cozy environment for other pests—yet sickening for you. And every time the HVAC turns on and blows air into the home, thousands and thousands of dust particles follow as they travel through the air and into your throat.
An accumulation of dust can create several health issues. Aside from the familiar itchy eyes or irritated throat, a significant presence of dust can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
When dust particles are small enough to be inhaled, they enter your lungs and bloodstream. And while your body may be good at cleansing the bloodstream, consistent exposure to small dust particles can cause serious issues, especially for those who have asthma or are more sensitive to poor air quality.
It’s hard to imagine a speck of dust can cause so much damage. But think about it. How have your allergies been, and when were your air ducts last cleaned?
3. Mice, rats, and squirrels.
We mentioned air ducts provide an ideal environment for specific organisms. Larger animals like rats, garden mice, and squirrels also fall into that category. As they look for a place to nest or hide from the outside world, air ducts provide a pleasantly dark, secluded area that makes them feel safe.
But it’s not safe for you. For multiple reasons:
1. Animal droppings are often left behind in the ducts. The second the HVAC turns on, those droppings fly right into your home along with the cool air.
2. There are a lot of wires mice find themselves entangled in. HVAC wires are no different and are often also located within the ducts. If the mouse chews on the wrong wire, it can easily cause a spark and start a fire.
3. An infestation of these little critters is bound to happen. Rodents typically reproduce quickly. Next thing you know, you’ve got tens and hundreds of tiny little mice or rats running around your HVAC system. And if one dies, you’re left with a decomposing organism in the vent blowing cool air into your home.
We’re not trying to scare you.
These reasons are scary and can even be overwhelming. But the point here is to show how serious it is for your health to have your air ducts cleaned. Your air ducts play a vital role in your home’s ventilation system and indoor air quality. And if they’re not properly maintained, they can become a breeding ground for numerous things that impact your health.
To keep your air ducts clean and your indoor air quality high, it’s vital to have them professionally cleaned regularly. Staying on top of changing the air filter, inspecting the air ducts every couple of months, and hiring someone to clean the air ducts every 3 years is a good rule of thumb. But of course, if anything seems out of the ordinary, you know who to call!
Schedule a Duct Cleaning
Call Unique Air Duct Cleaning in Livonia for duct cleaning services you can depend on. Our team is fast, professional and only uses equipment that is state of the art which means your air ducts and dryer vents will be thoroughly cleaned in one pass. Clean air ducts and dryer vents make a difference in your home by improving your air quality and keeping you safe from fires resulting form clogged dryer vents.
Our business is family owned and operated so you know you are getting service with customer care. If you’ve never had you home’s air ducts cleaned or are due for a service, this is the perfect time of year to do it. Call to schedule a duct cleaning service today!