Keeping the ducts in your home clean may seem like a good idea. But does it really make a difference?
Ducts trap a lot of airborne particles, such as dust and debris. The filters in your furnace and air conditioner help remove some of these particles, but not all.
Reduces Allergies
Allergies can be a huge problem for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. They can be caused by a number of different substances, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. click here
All of these can irritate the airways and cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy throat, coughing, and more. Fortunately, cleaning the air ducts can help reduce these symptoms.
Cleaner air ducts mean less recirculation of allergens in the home and create healthier living conditions. However, this is only possible if you have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis.
Keeping your ducts clean will also reduce the level of dust, bacteria, and other contaminants. Additionally, cleaning your ducts will remove any mold and mildew that may be in your duct system.
Reduces Bacteria and Viruses in the Winter
One reason why the cold weather is associated with more upper respiratory infections (like the common cold and flu) is that winter temperatures cause the cilia inside your nose to slow down. The cilia remove viral pathogens from the air, but this can be difficult when they aren’t moving fast enough because of cold temperatures.
Cold air also protects viruses by hardening their outer layer, the envelope, into a “rubbery gel” that makes them better able to transmit or spread. This has led experts to conclude that flu and rhinoviruses thrive in cold air, so winter is often the peak time of year for respiratory diseases like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
Researchers at Northeastern University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear hospital found that when the temperature in your nasal cavity drops by five degrees, it inhibits a key immune response that helps your body fight off viral infection. This research could lead to new treatments for colds and the flu, as well as other upper respiratory illnesses.
Reduces Stale Smells
Many common household substances, such as mold spores, pets, tobacco use and even food preparation can produce a stale smell when they accumulate inside air ducts. The dust that is trapped in the ducts can also contribute to this musty odor.
If you have a rodent infestation, these vermin can crawl into your vents and leave droppings or nests that can eventually clog your ducts. Duct cleaning can remove these pests, making your home smell fresher again.
A musty smell in the air ducts is most often caused by a buildup of mold. This can lead to a variety of health issues such as respiratory problems and sinus allergies.
If you smoke, the odor from your cigarettes and cigars will easily get drawn into your air ducts and can permeate the entire house. Additionally, nicotine and tar can leave a tacky coating on the interior surface of your ductwork that will not go away until it is cleaned.
Reduces Dust
The air in your home circulates through ducts multiple times a day, which means all the dust and other detritus from your life unintentionally settles into these vents. It’s a natural part of living, but it can also negatively affect your health if not treated properly.
Cleaning your ducts is the first step toward getting rid of this unwanted debris. A professional can use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris from the inside of your ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
Licensed contractors who clean air ducts have a set of industry-recognized procedures called source-removal techniques, established by NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association). These methods include hand and compressed air tools as well as vacuum collection systems to dislodge debris from the ducts.
In some cases, a duct cleaning service provider may recommend the application of a chemical biocide or sealant to kill bacteria or fungi and prevent future biological growth. It’s important to fully understand these recommendations and decide whether they make sense for your particular circumstances.