Most people don\u2019t give a whole lot of thought to their ducts, since they\u2019re a rather passive part of the home. However, ducts play an important role in your home. If they don\u2019t receive the professional services they need, they can cause all sorts of problems. One of those problems is negatively impacting your health. Let\u2019s take a look at how your ducts can indirectly make you sick, and why duct cleaning is necessary.<\/p>\n
Every time you inhale, your body is exposed to millions upon millions of airborne contaminants. These contaminants include dust, dirt, pollen, dander, viruses, bacteria and mold spores. Inhaling large amounts of these contaminants can cause all sorts of bad health effects, from allergy attacks, to the flu, to asthma. Fortunately, they are usually widely dispersed enough that your body can easily defend against them. That all changes with the introduction of ducts, however.<\/p>\n
Since ducts are not often cleaned (if ever) contaminants tend to collect and build up in them over time. When you use a forced-air system, like an air conditioner or heater, all of those contaminants are blown around the house. You\u2019re far more likely to inhale a large dose of contaminants under these circumstances, which means you have a better chance of getting sick.<\/p>\n
The best way to prevent yourself from getting sick due to contaminant buildup is to have your ducts cleaned out at least once a year. This is either done using a blower door, in the case of sheet metal ducts, or using a set of specialized brushes if cleaning flex ducts. Duct cleaning removes all of those contaminants from your home, allowing you to remain healthier and breathe easier.<\/p>\n