How Dirty Ducts Affect Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

It is easy to forget about the HVAC ductwork when it is tucked away in the attic or hidden behind a wall, but the health of this system impacts the quality of air that you breathe in your Saint Petersburg home. Despite being sealed up, dirty ducts can affect indoor air quality in these three important ways:

Clogged Air Filters

Dirty ducts cause the HVAC system’s air filters to clog up faster. When contaminants are not captured, they blow back into the ducting system to build up with other dust particles. These pollutants can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses when they seep into your home through duct leaks or escape when you change the air filter.

Biological Growth on Ducts

Florida’s high humidity can take a toll on the ductwork by causing extra condensation to accumulate on the exterior. This creates the perfect condition for biological growth. When these spores circulate through the system and then into your home, you can experience allergy-like symptoms, such as itchy eyes, a stuffy nose and throat irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health issues, including lung damage.

Leaky Ducts

Gaps along the ducting system can pull in and leak out unfiltered air into your home. Allergens from outside sneak their way in from the return system while the natural buildup of dust in the ducts consists of pet dander, pollen, fungi and other potentially harmful particulates. Ducting that leaks air can also cause your home to feel stuffy or draw in dangerous carbon monoxide gases.

Excessive dust on the registers, a stuffy smell or biological growth near the ductwork are signs that the HVAC conduit system may need some expert attention. Arctic Air Systemstechnicians provide a thorough inspection and quick duct cleaning to ensure that dirty and faulty systems don’t create an unhealthy environment for your family. Contact us today to schedule an indoor air quality evaluation or professional duct cleaning.