Do you experience symptoms of “sick building syndrome” every time you return home? This occurs when people experience symptoms upon entering a particular building. If symptoms diminish when you leave home, it could indicate poor air quality.
Neglecting to schedule air duct cleaning services could put your entire family at risk. You may experience symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Not convinced you need duct cleaning services in St. Augustine, FL this spring? Read on to discover the health risks of neglected ducts!
Allergens and Dust Buildup
Outdoor allergens can pollute the air within your home. These can include:
- Tree pollen
- Dust mites
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Cockroaches
- Rodent urine
- Cat and dog dander
- Mold spores
Allergens can trigger allergic reactions, including itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and sinus pain. These airborne allergens often cause seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are the sixth-most common cause of chronic illness in the US.
In fact, over 100 million people struggle with allergies every year. About 81 million are diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis. This type of rhinitis occurs mainly in the spring when pollen is in the air.
Allergy and asthma control starts at home. Investing in air duct cleaning services can remove these allergens from the air.
Otherwise, you’ll continue breathing in the allergens that are triggering your symptoms. Specialists can remove allergens and irritants from the air. They’ll keep these allergens from traveling through your air ducts.
The best air duct cleaning company can take measures to minimize allergen and dust buildup. They can increase the flow of outdoor air into your home.
An HVAC professional can improve the humidity levels within your home. Otherwise, humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth. Reducing humidity levels can reduce dust mites and mold spores.
Talk to your HVAC technician about switching your air filters out. Choose air filters with a high MERV rating. These filters can collect small particles before they travel through the air.
Air Exchange Rate
Your air exchange rate can affect your home’s indoor air quality. It’s determined by your home’s design and construction.
The air exchange rate is a function of infiltration, natural ventilation, and mechanical ventilation.
Infiltration is the air that flows through cracks in walls or floors and around windows and doors. Natural ventilation is the air that flows through open doors and windows. Mechanical ventilation is air forced through fans or air handling systems.
A technician may recognize that your home needs property weatherstripping. It’s possible there are leaks in your vents or around the HVAC unit.
Dust buildup can narrow your ducts, reducing the airflow. Your HVAC unit will push twice as hard to function. If it works overtime, it could break down.
Diminished airflow can cause sick building syndrome. Before that happens, schedule routine duct cleaning. You can minimize dust accumulation to improve your air quality.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Neglecting routine HVAC maintenance could lead to a clogged condensate drain or dirty condenser and evaporator coils. The drain can become clogged with algae, dirt, dust, or debris. This will cause the line to back up and overflow into the drain pain.
Water will leak into your home, causing mold and mildew growth. Mold thrives in damp, unclean air ducts.
Breathing in mold spores can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
- Sporotrichosis
- Itchy, red eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Asthmatic symptoms
Asthmatic symptoms include tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms sound familiar, seek immediate medical attention.
A professional can assess your home for mold. Schedule routine HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning.
Routine maintenance will allow a professional to assess your HVAC unit. They’ll prevent the condensate drain from getting clogged.
Pest Infestations
Insects, mice, and other pests will infiltrate your home through your HVAC ducts. They can pose a risk to your family’s health.
Insects and mice carry diseases that can spread quickly through your home’s ducts. Mice can chew on wires and create nests (which are fire hazards). They also leave feces, food, hair, urine, and other debris in your ducts.
Allow a professional to assess and clean your ducts. They’ll reduce the risk of a pest infestation.
A specialist will remove any deceased animals or insects. Otherwise, you may start noticing a foul odor throughout your home. Cleaning your ducts can clear the air to create a clean living environment.
Reduced HVAC Efficiency
Routine duct cleaning and preventative HVAC maintenance will ensure your unit is functioning properly. Otherwise, clogged air ducts can reduce airflow, putting a strain on the unit. If the unit works overtime, it may break down.
You may notice your energy bills are rising. Your HVAC unit may break down entirely. Instead of paying for small repairs, you may need to replace the unit.
High energy bills and a broken HVAC unit can cause unnecessary stress. Excessive stress can cause:
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Pounding heart
- Increased risk of heart attacks
- Rapid breathing
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune systems
- Insomnia
- Increased risk of depression
- Stomachaches
- Tense muscles
Your mental and physical health will take a toll. Before that happens, consult an air duct specialist. Schedule routine HVAC maintenance as well to have your unit fully assessed.
A technician can spot minor issues with the unit before they become more expensive problems. Your duct specialists will clean your duct system, reducing energy costs.
Ensuring a free-flowing ventilation system will protect your HVAC unit’s longevity. You can save money and avoid the stress of paying for a new unit.
Request Air Duct Cleaning in St. Augustine
Don’t neglect your air ducts this spring. As flowers start to bloom, pollen and other pollutants can fill your home. Before that happens, request air duct cleaning services in St. Augustine.
A professional indoor air quality expert can minimize dust buildup, pest infestations, and allergens in your home. Improving your home’s air quality will benefit your mental and physical well-being.
Our team at Envirovac Air Duct Cleaning is dedicated to creating safer and healthier homes. Our highly trained professionals rely on technological invitations to offer top-notch services. Contact us today to schedule air duct cleaning services in St. Augustine, FL.
