What is in Your Air Ducts?

Common Air Duct Pollutants and Pests

We spend a large portion of our time in our homes, so it’s important to have clean, quality indoor airflow. Unfortunately, most people don’t consider cleaning their air ducts often, which can cause multiple pollutants to accumulate. Dirty air ducts can negatively affect heating systems, spread excess dust around your home, and even create health issues. To your surprise, dust might not be the only thing accumulating inside your air ducts. Liberty Air, a provider of duct cleaning in Gainesville, FL, shares the many things that could be clogging up your ducts.

Dust, Pollen & Mold

If not properly maintained, air ducts can easily become contaminated with dust, pollen, and other debris. As the ducts become more and more clogged, the likelihood for moisture to accumulate increases as well. When moisture builds up, ducts become susceptible to mold growth. Every time the air conditioner or heater turns on, dust, pollen, and mold spores are blown into your home. If inhaled, these particles can cause health issues such as sinus inflammation and infection, lengthy allergy attacks, and trigger asthma.

Insects & Other Creepy Crawlers

Bugs can easily get into air ducts and reproduce/lay eggs. If not cleaned, the bugs can quickly become a pest issue in your home. There’s nothing like trying to kill a cockroach or spider and seeing it speed away into the air ducts away from your reach. Although they may be out of sight, they are definitely not out of mind once they’ve been spotted and they’ll soon be back in greater numbers.

Birds

Birds can sometimes be found nesting inside of air ducts due to their warm, isolated nature. As birds bring in leaves, sticks, and grasses to build their nests they can end up fully clogging a duct, stopping the circulation of airflow. This will not only affect your air quality, but possibly drive up your bills as well. If birds are able to nest in your air ducts and their eggs hatch, they will be bringing in insects and other small animals to feed their young and further add to your problem. Bird feathers and feces can also carry diseases, and as more of them accumulate in your ducts, it is more likely that you will experience symptoms.

Rodents & Small Mammals

Rats, squirrels, bats, and other small animals can often get into air ducts through small openings in the duct system and the home’s exterior. Once inside, they are able to get behind walls or attics and cause extensive damage. Not only is an infestation a likely possibility, but they can begin chewing through wires and walls. If they try to nest, they can quickly clog up ducts and impede airflow as well as contaminate it. Vermin droppings are particularly alarming, they will dry up and turn into dust that can carry dangerous bacteria and diseases.

Air Duct Cleaning in Gainesville, FL

Leaving your air ducts unchecked can bring about health and financial headaches. It is important to have them cleaned and working in proper order so you can enjoy the best quality of air inside your home. If your air ducts seem particularly dirty, clogged, or you suspect something is living inside them, contact Liberty Air today, a Gainesville air duct cleaning provider.