Why Routine Duct Cleaning is Essential for Healthy Living

Living healthy can mean many things. Changing habits, finding ways to reduce stress and more. It’s up to the individual to decide what healthy living looks like for them.

Clogged and dirty air ducts recirculate harmful contaminants, such as pet dander, mildew, mold spores and more. Having your ductwork cleaned regularly can significantly reduce these pollutants.

1. Eliminate Allergens

Allergies trigger unpleasant symptoms such as a runny nose, itchiness, and sneezing. Fortunately, you can get relief by cleaning your home’s ductwork. Allergies can be caused by various substances, such as dust mites, mold spores, rodent droppings, and pet dander.

Most allergens are airborne. Although filters prevent them from entering your HVAC system, they aren’t able to trap them all. In addition, if there are leaks in your ductwork, they’ll easily enter the system and circulate throughout the house.

Duct cleaning eliminates these contaminants, making it safer for you and your family members to breathe. Some cleaners also introduce a chemical biocide or ozone to kill microorganisms and prevent future biological growth. This helps you avoid allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. In addition, the professional cleaners will also ensure that any vermin and other pests have been removed from your ductwork. This will improve your indoor air quality significantly.

2. Eliminate Stale Smells

If your home smells stale, musty, or foul, it’s likely because of a problem in your air ducts. These ducts move air throughout the house, so any odors present in them are then circulated throughout your entire home each time your HVAC system turns on.

Stale or musty odors usually mean that there is mold and mildew in your ducts. This can lead to a number of problems, including respiratory issues. In some cases, this smell may also be caused by cigarette smoke.

Many people don’t realize that the air ducts in their homes are full of bacteria, mold spores, and dust, which can all cause unpleasant smells. Because these ducts have been circulating and recirculating for years, it’s important to get them cleaned and eliminate bad smells. There are several ways to do this, including using dryer sheets that neutralize odors or natural odor eliminators like Fresh Wave products. These products use plant-based ingredients to eliminate smells rather than mask them with heavy perfumes.

3. Deter Pests

Air ducts are dark, sheltered spaces that become sanctuaries for various pests. Rats, mice, cockroaches, silverfish, stinkbugs and other insects can nest inside ductwork, contaminating the indoor environment with their excrement and carcasses.

Gaps, cracks and larger disconnections in ductwork are also entry points for pests. Depending on the size of these openings, pests may enter the home’s heating and cooling systems and spread germs through vents.

Duct cleaning services can help deter pest infestations. A professional can use live traps or glue traps to capture and remove pests from ductwork and air vents, then seal the area to prevent future pest invasions. The company can also apply protective coating to the surface of ductwork to ensure that fungus, mildew and molds don’t form. These pathogens are dangerous to the health of allergy and asthma sufferers, and they can contaminate the airflow system and spread throughout the house. These contaminants are recirculated and blown back into the house every time the air conditioning or heater is running.

4. Reduce Dust

Dust is a major problem in most homes, and for good reason. The icky powder coats furniture and bedding and triggers allergies, asthma attacks and sinus irritation. It contains dead skin cells, pet fur, lint, pollen, dirt and dust mite feces. It also attracts cockroaches and ants, which can contaminate the air you breathe.

You can reduce the amount of dust in your home by keeping windows closed and sweeping regularly. You can also keep dust at bay by placing mats outside entry points and shaking them out weekly. Asking your family to take off their shoes when entering the home will further decrease the amount of dirt and debris brought inside.

Finally, you can get rid of dust magnets like books and knickknacks by moving them regularly. You can also use a damp cloth when dusting furniture, as this robs the surface of its ability to attract impurities. Also, storing knickknacks in plastic bins will prevent them from becoming dust-breeding magnets.