5 Things That May Be Living In Your Ductwork

In most cases, your home’s ductwork tends to be an “out of sight, out of mind” system. As long as we have heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, we ignore the process.

Yet we care about the air we breathe. Which makes indoor air quality important.

Small actions like changing your air filter on a regular, monthly cycle can help significantly with the quality of your indoor air.

But what about your ductwork? If your ductwork was improperly installed, has collapsed over the years, or simply has cracks and leaks after years of use, the odds are good contaminants are living in your ductwork.

Dust Mites

Dust mites love humid conditions. They feed on flakes of shed human skin. Therefore, our homes are one of their favorite places to live. And while regular cleanings – vacuuming the carpets, washing the bedding – can keep them out of your living areas, if you ignore your ductwork, you’re giving them a place to thrive. Dust mites are one of the leading causes of asthma and allergies worldwide. And since they’re barely visible to the human eye, you won’t be able to see them lying around, accumulating in your living quarters. Keeping your ducts sealed and in proper working condition, with regular cleanings especially before the summer and winter months, will keep your home clean and help avoid contaminating your indoor air.

Pollen

When pollen counts are high, it’s almost impossible to keep it out of your home. Tiny granules are produced by a variety of things: ragweed, grass, flowers, and trees have all been known to trigger seasonal allergies. Once pollen enters your home, it settles in places it can live. Like your ductwork. It lingers there, impacting your air quality and potentially aggravating your allergies.

Pet Dander

We love our furry friends; they are an important part of our lives. Yet pet dander is a huge issue, especially if you have multiple pets. Dander is comprised of tiny, microscopic flecks of skin shed by your animals, in much the same way as dust mites. And just as easily they are sucked into your heating and cooling system and linger in your ductwork indefinitely.

Bacteria

When you or a family member gets sick, bacteria is released into your home’s environment. It transports into the air, settles in a variety of places, including your ductwork. While you can clean and disinfect faucets and countertops, ductwork is often ignored. Which means it can settle in and potentially impact your indoor air quality.

Mildew and Biological Growth

Mildew and biological growth thrive in wet and humid conditions. And with the high humidity conditions we face here in Georgia, both are constantly found in our home. If there is a leak in your roof left undiagnosed, for instance, biological growth can quickly penetrate all around. It can make its way into leaky and unsealed ductwork, impacting your air quality.

If you take the time to focus in on improving your indoor air, make sure you include one of the most important checks you can make throughout your home. Cleaning your ductwork now at the start of the summer season will ensure your indoor air quality is as clean as it can be.