Can Dirty Air Ducts Cause Health Problems?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your family is getting sick more than normal, experiencing coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, and low-grade fevers, they may have upper respiratory infections as a result of dirty air ducts.

What happens when you don’t clean your air ducts?

Over time, without proper air duct cleaning and maintenance,

the moisture will start to grow mold and mildew

. The real problem here is due to what your ducts do: disperse air throughout a structure. If you have moldy air ducts, that mold is going to be blown all through your home or business.

How do you know if your ducts need to be cleaned?

Have your air ducts cleaned

if they are visibly contaminated with substantial mold growth, pests or vermin, or are clogged with substantial deposits of dust or debris

. Ask the service provider to show you any mold or other biological contamination they say exists.

How do you know if you have dirty air ducts?

  • Vents & ducts are clogged with dust and debris. …
  • Your air filters become clogged. …
  • Unpleasant odor from ducts. …
  • Mold & mildew presence inside or outside your HVAC system. …
  • Unstable or poor airflow in the house.

Can dirty air ducts cause sinus problems?


When left for a long time without cleaning, air ducts can cause sinus problems due to the bad air quality

. When all the dirt, debris, and pet dander gets into the nasal passages, they cause inflammation that soon turns into sinus infections.

How often should air ducts be cleaned?

Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned

every 2 to 3 years

to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.

Is air duct cleaning a waste of money?

They are not long enough to clean every inch of the ductwork down to the main trunk line. Even if you find a bait-and-switch company that cleans ductwork properly,

if you don’t pay their hefty sum to clean all the ducts, the cleaning will have been a waste of money

.

How can I clean my ducts myself?

  1. Remove vent covers and wash them. Remove your vent covers with your screwdriver. …
  2. Cover vent openings with paper towels. Cover the openings to your supply registers with a few paper towels. …
  3. Loosen the dust. …
  4. Vacuum it up. …
  5. Change your air filter. …
  6. Replace vent covers.

Why does my house get so dusty?

Both

low humidity and high humidity

play a role in why your house is so dusty. When the air is dry, your air can be extra dusty. But when it’s too high, it can feed mites and promote mold growth. If your air is dry, run a humidifier so that you can reach a comfortable level.

What to expect when having your vents cleaned?

The technician uses specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris in the system, followed by a thorough sanitizing process to effectively “wash away” the mess. They’ll then do an air filter change and a final testing of the system operation to ensure everything is back to working flawlessly.

How long does it take to clean out house vents?

The typical single-family home’s air duct system takes between

two to four hours

to clean with a crew consisting of at least two technicians. Older homes and those with pets may take longer to clean. Newer homes, townhomes, and condominiums may take less time to clean!

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?



If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it

. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

Can a dirty air filter cause sore throat?


One of the biggest reasons your air conditioner can cause a sore throat is because of a dirty air filter

. Any air filter plays 2 very big roles. First, it keeps your HVAC system clean. Dust and other debris can find its way into your HVAC system.

Does cleaning air ducts help allergies?

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from allergies or asthma symptoms, an air duct system cleaning is something we highly recommend.

It can not only help reduce allergens in your home but also provide relief for allergy and asthma triggers

.

Will cleaning my air ducts make my house smell better?

Air Duct Cleaning Experts can help with this issue by performing services such as cleaning the vents regularly.

It will make your home smell nicer and keep allergens out of the air

, which could be causing many people to suffer from allergies or asthma.

How do you check air vents in your home?

Visually inspect all ductwork you have access to. Climb into your attic, crawlspace and/or basement and take a look at the ducts that are visible. Look at each section of duct and connection for obvious gaps, disconnections and tears. Also, look for areas of the ducts which have duct tape affixed.

Is furnace cleaning necessary?

Well, actually, no.

Although duct-cleaning operations may insist duct cleaning is essential for your health, the evidence does not support their claims

. Companies that perform duct cleaning often advertise health benefits or suggest duct cleaning will lower your power bills by improving your system’s efficiency.

Can I clean my own heating ducts?

When it comes to the nitty gritty,

cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job

. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don’t have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.

Is dryer duct cleaning necessary?


A dryer vent needs to be cleaned regularly to enhance the dryer’s efficiency

. Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to remove lint and other dirt and debris that are obstructing the dryer performance.

How do you get rid of air duct odor?

If your air filter is new and clean, another DIY solution is to

put a bit of baking soda in your air ducts

. When we say that, we literally mean, put a dish or the whole box of baking soda in your air duct and let it sit there. (The same way that you would place a box of baking soda in an offensive-smelling fridge.)

Can you clean air ducts with shop vac?

Vacuum: When choosing a vacuum to clean your air conditioning vents,

you want to make sure that you use a Shop-Vac or a vacuum which might get damaged

. Many sharp elements like screws that tend to rest at the bottom of the air ducts get sucked up which may damage the hosing to the unit.

How do you get rid of musty smell in ductwork?

  1. Check for Mold. Take a look at your condenser coils, as well as the drip pan. …
  2. Clean your Evaporator Coils. You can clean your evaporator coils to remove excess dust. …
  3. Use Soap or Detergent. If you find mold in your ductwork, use soap or a detergent solution to clean your ducts.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.