If you value your health, you should do more than just change the filters on your HVAC system. You should also periodically clean the air ducts.
If you can't do it yourself, or simply don't want to do it yourself, you can hire an HVAC professional to take care of this job for you. Maintenance is an important part of keeping the system working and cleaning the ducts is essential maintenance.
Here are five ways your air ducts can be making you sick if you don't clean them:
1. They can collect dust
Dust is mostly dead skin, plus detritus from other items, like books and upholstered furniture. The dust that collects in air ducts can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. It can be spread throughout the home from the blowing of the HVAC system. It can also be the basis for the development of other problems.
2. They can grow mold
When dust starts to clog air filters, it can promote moisture remaining in the system. It can also give mold spores a foundation to start taking root. Mold can be a serious health threat. It can even be deadly. It is especially problematic for babies, small children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.
3. They can spread germs
As air flows through the ducts and gets circulated through the home, it can spread dust and other matter found inside unclean ducts. A combination of germs plus poor ventilation can cause sick building syndrome.
