Air ducts can become dirty quickly due to normal indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, and breathing. When a duct is dirty, it can cause a buildup of contaminants in the home that affects the health of people who live there.
A professional duct cleaning service can remove this buildup of contaminants by using specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris from your ductwork and then vacuuming it out. For professional assistance, contact Air Duct Cleaning Charlotte.
Dust is made up of a variety of particles from inside and outside your home, including dirt, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, hair, and even the body parts and feces of insects. When they become trapped in your air ducts, these particulates can irritate the lungs and trigger allergies or asthma attacks.
When you clean your ducts, it removes the particles that are accumulated on them and helps to prevent them from settling on other surfaces in your home. However, when the air ducts are not cleaned regularly, dust can still be present in your home’s air.
The only way to ensure that your air ducts are not contaminated with dust is to regularly vacuum and wipe down the surfaces in your home, as well as your furnishings and bedding. This will help to reduce the amount of dust that is accumulated in your ducts and your home’s overall air quality.
Another factor that can contribute to the accumulation of dust in your air ducts is construction and remodeling projects. When the HVAC system is not covered during a construction project, drywall dust, sawdust, and other fine particulates can easily enter the ducts.
In fact, this contamination can be so bad that it’s recommended to have your ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. During a renovation, it’s best to cover floor registers and return-air vents with taped plastic sheets to prevent debris from entering the ducts.
Dirty ducts can be an excellent breeding ground for mold, which is not only unhealthy to breathe but also dangerous to your health. Not only does it increase your risk of respiratory illnesses, but it can also cause sinus infections, a common complaint among those who suffer from allergies or other respiratory problems. Breathing contaminated air over long periods can also speed up the aging process, as it causes fine lines and wrinkles in your skin and lungs.
When the air conditioner or heat is on, the ductwork allows allergens to circulate throughout your home. If you are experiencing allergies, your air ducts may need cleaning.
Allergens are a type of protein that can cause your immune system to overreact, triggering allergic reactions. These can be mild or severe, depending on the type of allergen and your sensitivity level. Allergies can affect your eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin.
The first time you come into contact with an allergen, your body reacts by making immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight the foreign protein. These antibodies bind to mast cells, which are allergy cells that live in your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The cells then release chemicals that can cause symptoms.
Pollen, for example, is a common allergen that can easily contaminate your home’s air. Open doors and windows let it in, which can lead to sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes.
Food allergens can also be a source of allergic reactions. Your body reacts to the allergen by creating IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells, which are allergy cell that are found in your skin, eyes, nose, and lungs. These cells then release chemicals that can cause a variety of allergy symptoms, including itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.
Pet dander is another common source of allergic reactions. Most domestic pets — such as cats and dogs — shed dead skin flakes, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Mold can grow anywhere there is moisture, such as behind walls or under flooring. When it grows, mold releases airborne spores that can trigger allergies.
Dirty ductwork can also increase allergy symptoms, especially for those with asthma or respiratory problems. A professional duct cleaning will remove airborne particles and allergens, which can decrease the severity of your allergy symptoms.
