Most of us make an effort to keep our homes clean. We vacuum and dust. We clean our bathrooms and try to keep our kitchens germ free. We even undertake large spring cleaning projects that send us looking under furniture and behind appliances. We clean these and other areas because we can see them, and when they’re not clean, we’re out of sorts. But what about the areas we can’t easily see? Don’t they get dirty too? Of course, they do.
Superior Air Duct Cleaning understands that the hidden corridors behind our walls and in our attics get dirty, and over time, if not cleaned, they can cause some serious problems. In today’s blog, Superior Air Duct Cleaning looks at some dangers of dirty air ducts.
Related Post: When You Should Schedule Residential Duct Cleaning
Mold
Certain conditions are required for mold to grow — and your air ducts provide just such an incubator. First, there must be spores, which are found in every home. Next, heat and moisture must be present, and finally, an organic food source is required. All of these requirements typically exist in your ductwork. Dust, dirt, and debris in your ducts can catch and trap the mold spores. When you turn on your heat or AC, conditions inside the duct become warm and humid, and moisture clings to the debris. Finally, the food source. Skin cells, pet, and human hair, and other organic matter sitting in your ducts provide the food material that mold needs to grow, damaging your home and your health as it goes untreated.
Related Post: Common Mold Types Found in Air Ducts
Pest Infestation
Mold isn’t the only invader that can take up residence in your ductwork. Dirty air ducts are a welcome retreat for all kinds of pests. Some are attracted to food sources. Others find the warm, humid, and sheltered environment an ideal place to build a nest. Your ducts could be home to larger creatures, like birds and rodents, or smaller ones, like bees and ants. Regardless of species, you don’t want to have to deal with the damage that can result from an infestation.
Health Risks
Ducts that are littered with dirt, mold, dust, dander, and critters can pose some significant health risks. When your AC or heat turns on and the air starts blowing out of ducts and into the air that you breathe, you may notice some problems. Allergies to dust and pet dander will flare up every time the HVAC system turns on. Those with asthma or COPD can often begin to experience respiratory problems, and mold and vermin droppings can lead to multiple health problems, with young children and senior citizens especially susceptible.
Superior Air Duct Cleaning Can Help
Chances are it’s been a while since the ductwork in your home has had any TLC, if ever. The friendly professionals at Superior Air Duct Cleaning can help you and your family breathe a little easier. If you have questions or would like a free quote, call (724) 847-9444 or visit our website today.
