You care about your family’s health. But did you know that you may unintentionally be contributing to a host of health issues within your own home?
Dirty air ducts are one of the most dangerous yet overlooked hazards, and the results can range from mild annoyances to lifelong health complications.
Keep reading to learn about four ways that your ducts could be contributing to your family’s health issues.
1. Dirty Air Ducts Lead to Mold
Even a little bit of moisture in your air ducts can lead to a major problem. That’s because the dark and sometimes dank nature of an air duct is the perfect place to facilitate the growth of dangerous mold and mildew.
Once mold is in your ducts, it spreads like a wildfire, making it tough to remove without an extremely thorough cleaning.
Breathing in mold can lead to flu-like symptoms and may even impact your vision by causing dry, itchy eyes.
2. Dust Worsens Allergies
While not as bad as breathing in mold, dust triggers a myriad of respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. You may find yourself sneezing, coughing, or feeling extreme fatigue.
Keep a close eye on the vents throughout your home. If you notice dust on the outside, take a few minutes to do some air duct cleaning. Trust us, you’ll feel so much better.
3. Poor Air Circulation Affects Skin Conditions
Have you noticed that you’re struggling with itchy, dry skin? Or maybe someone in your household is dealing with an acne outbreak seemingly out of nowhere.
While we don’t typically associate air quality with skin health, they’re more related than people tend to think.
If you’re breathing in dirt and dust from your dirty air conditioner ducts, you’re inhaling chemicals that could irritate your skin. Plus, the dry air in your home could exacerbate existing issues.
4. Dirty Ducts Attract Pests
Here’s something gross to think about: You might be breathing in rodent poop as you’re reading this sentence!
Dirty, moist areas make great homes for all sorts of pests like rats and cockroaches. Once they’ve made a nest in your home, pests don’t leave.
Make no mistake, aside from being disgusting, particles from the detritus they leave behind can end up in the lungs of those in your home.
5. Cleaning Your Ducts
The best way to protect your health is to regularly clean your air ducts. For starters, you can do a little bit of work yourself by dusting your vents as mentioned above.
However, every few months, you’ll want to have a professional come in and clean your ducts. The pros know how to tackle those hard-to-reach spaces, and lining your ducts with certain materials they recommend could keep your air quality better for a longer period of time.
Don’t Let Dirty Air Ducts Ruin Your Health
Say goodbye to those dirty air ducts and breathe a little easier by having a professional address any problems with your HVAC system. After all, you and your family deserve better than to breathe in dirty air.
For more tips on keeping your home clean and your family healthy, make sure to check back with our health and fitness blog!