A dirty HVAC system is more than just an inconvenience. Ignoring it can affect your health. The consequences of a dirty system include allergies and nasal congestion. As technology improves, people no longer need to put up with dusty or dirty ducts in their cooling or heating systems. 

What Are the Signs of a Dirty HVAC System?

• Clogged air ducts
• Mold in air ducts
• Presence of unwanted insects and pests in your system

How It Can Affect Your Health

1. Decreasing the Quality of Your Indoor Air

If your HVAC system is dirty, you have a lot of dirt and dust circulating in your home. Breathing in this air can have severe consequences on your health. Consider cleaning your ducts regularly to improve your indoor air quality. Replace your air filter as advised by your technician. Click here for a few air filter options. The right ones will improve the general health of your household. Studies suggest that you may record lower cases of pulmonary health conditions after cleaning your air ducts. 

By increasing the circulation of allergens and dust in your home, a dirty HVAC system can increase sore throats, colds, and allergies. It puts people with asthma and other respiratory problems at risk. If your indoor air contains radon, it may even cause lung cancer. Kids, pets, and the elderly suffer the most. 

2. The Cause of Sinus Problems

If you leave your air ducts uncleaned for too long, they can cause sinus problems. When dirt and debris pass through your nasal passages, they can trigger inflammation that becomes a sinus infection. Over 35 million Americans are diagnosed with sinusitis every year. It is the result of viruses, fungus, and nasal allergies. The symptoms of sinus problems include congestion, weakness, fever, fatigue, and coughing. If there is a sudden outbreak of sinusitis in your home, clean your air ducts and notice the difference. 

3. They Promote the Growth of Mold

Some of the worst things to come from dirty HVAC systems are mold and mildew. Since dirty ducts lack moisture balance, they offer the perfect environment for mold to thrive. When mold and mildew spores are blown into the air, they pollute your indoor air. 

Look out for signs of mold in your duct. It may be in the colors black, white, purple, orange, or green. If your duct isn’t cleaned, the pores may spread to other parts of your home, including your furniture, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. 

When mold forms in your home, it can produce irritants, mycotoxins, and allergens that are toxic to your health. They can irritate your lungs, throat, and nose, making things worse if you have chronic lung issues or asthma. It could cause health issues like bronchial and fungal infections. Mold also has a terrible smell and could make your home very uncomfortable. 

4. Fatigue

Poor indoor air quality can cause fatigue and general discomfort. Combined with all the associated health problems, you may feel drowsy and more tired than usual. It may be difficult to carry on with your regular tasks. Inhaling too much dander, bacteria, and dust isn’t good for your general well-being. You may have a lower concentration span and reduced clarity. 

5. Autoimmune Disorders 

If you already suffer from an autoimmune disorder, poor air quality could make the symptoms worse. Be vigilant with the quality of your indoor air by cleaning your ducts regularly. Your symptoms will keep flaring if you keep inhaling poor-quality air. 

6. Creating Stress

Did you know that a dirty HVAC system may be causing a lot of unnecessary stress in your home? When your air ducts are dirty, they cannot function as they should. They don’t filter out dust, hence leaving you with the pain of wiping surfaces every few minutes. 

When members of your household keep getting sick, the energy bills keep going up, and you seem to be constantly exhausted, your stress levels will surely rise.

7. Bacterial Infections

If dead animals are in your HVAC unit, their decomposing bodies can be trapped in your air ducts. They can cause bacterial growth, which ultimately causes bacteria to be spread all through your indoor air. Rotting insects, snakes, and rodents can give off displeasing smells that reduce your home’s comfort levels. 

There is one sure way to keep your HVAC system clean and protect your family from illnesses. Schedule regular appointments with a professional HVAC contractor. They will inspect and clean your duct to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Regular maintenance gives you peace of mind. It assures you that there are no strange entities living, growing, or decomposing in your ductwork.

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