During the long winter months, things can get a little stuffy in your home. You’ll be running the heat, keeping the windows closed, and breathing the same air as it cycles through your HVAC system over and over again. And whatever is in your ducts will simply cycle through over and over as well. What’s in there? And do you really want to breathe it?
Because ductwork can stay in position for many years—decades, even—it’s easy to forget about it. Generally, it’s behind your walls, or up in your attic, where you don’t have a clear view even of the outside of the ducts. And the inside is a total mystery! If it’s been awhile since you’ve had your ducts cleaned, have it done now! It’ll make the air you breathe this winter so much fresher.
Dust
The simplest thing you’ll find in ducts is just dust. While this isn’t a hazard on its own, it can be unpleasant and messy and cause minor respiratory irritation. The particles are largely your own dead skin cells. The tricky part is that dust mites love to feast on these cells, and they—and their droppings—are a very common allergen, causing itching, sneezing, congestion, and more.
Other Allergens
Because of the structure of ducts, it’s easy for tiny particles which blow around in the air to settle inside them. Later, they can be blown out again. So even after pollen stops being a concern in the outdoor air, it can get recycled through your ducts and keep causing you problems!
Another common allergen is pet dander. Contrary to common misconception, dander is not the hair of the pet, so even hairless animals such as birds and reptiles can cause dander allergies. People are actually reacting to a protein in the animal’s skin cells and saliva! If you have pets, regular duct cleaning can dramatically reduce the amount of dander in your home.
Mold
Mold colonies love dark, enclosed places where nobody barges in with cleaning products and paper towels. If there’s even a little bit of moisture, mold will happily grow in these places, and your ducts are the perfect example. Some people are allergic to mold. Some molds are toxic enough to cause serious symptoms even in people without any allergies! If you smell mildew in your home, there’s mold somewhere, and if you can’t see it, it’s probably in your ducts.
DIY vs. Professional Duct Cleaning
Of course, anyone could unscrew their vent covers and bang a broom or feather duster around in the bits of ductwork they can reach from there. But it wouldn’t be very effective, it would stir up a great deal of dust in the moment, and it would be extremely easy to cause damage to the ducts in the process.
What you need is qualified professionals who are trained and experienced. Our team of HVAC experts has the knowledge and tools to do a thorough, safe, gentle job cleaning all the mess out of your ductwork. Improve your indoor air quality for the winter with duct cleaning in Shreveport, LA!
Contact us today to discuss duct cleaning or any other HVAC system needs.