Cleaning the air ducts is an essential part of home maintenance, but it can also have some unexpected consequences. If done incorrectly, it can lead to a decrease in air quality and even cause health issues. In this article, we'll explore the potential side effects of duct cleaning and how to avoid them.When air ducts are not regularly cleaned, dirt and moisture can enter the system. This can cause symptoms similar to those of an allergy, such as a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, and other breathing difficulties.
If enough dirt and moisture are allowed to accumulate in the ducts, microbial growth can occur. This is why it's essential to commit to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination.As your family's bodies fight bacteria in the air caused by dirt in the air ducts, their immune systems may become weakened. This can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and general feelings of sickness when they're home. To prevent this from happening, it's important to clean the air ducts on a regular basis.When cleaning air ducts, it's important to use the right methods.
Industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards for proper cleaning techniques. Sealants should never be used on the wet lining of ducts, and should only be applied after cleaning in accordance with NADCA guidelines or other appropriate regulations.If air duct cleaning is not done properly, it can cause more damage to air quality by releasing more dust into the house or insulation particles due to duct breakage. Additionally, if moisture is present in the ducts, there is a chance that biological contaminants will grow and be distributed throughout the house.Finally, if air ducts remain uncleaned for too long, there is a risk of lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This is because much of the dirt in the air ducts adheres to the surfaces of the ducts and does not necessarily enter the living space.In conclusion, cleaning your home's air ducts is an important part of home maintenance.
However, it's important to use proper techniques and commit to a good preventive maintenance program in order to avoid any potential side effects.