Over the last year and a half, we’ve all spent a lot more time at home. That said, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of air you breathe in. Indoor air is generally 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside, and in some cases, the levels of pollutants can measure 100 times greater than outdoor levels. One way you can help to maintain a cleaner and safer indoor environment is by getting your air ducts cleaned. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the main health benefits of getting your air ducts routinely cleaned and why it’s so important for you and your family.
Importance of Cleaning Your Ducts
Air ducts are responsible for circulating air throughout your home. But over time, they get caked with various pollutants such as pet dander, mildew, mould, dust mites, pollen, chemicals, and the slew of other contaminants. If they’re not cleaned regularly, you and your family end up breathing in polluted air, which can lead to respiratory problems, allergy symptoms, congestion, sore throats, and more. In addition, accumulated dirt in the ducts can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, causing your bills to increase and the HVAC unit to wear out faster.
Health Benefits of Getting Your Air Ducts Cleaned:
Minimize Dust and Dirt
Even the cleanest environments will experience an accumulation of dust and dirt indoors, making their way into the air duct system. It’s a natural part of living that’s impossible to avoid. Getting them cleaned not only reduces the dust and debris that you’re breathing in but also makes it easier to maintain a cleaner home since there won’t be a constant stream of dust circulating and landing on surfaces.
Reduce Allergy Symptoms
If you or a family member suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions and they tend to flare up at home, this is a red flag that your duct system is overburdened with dirt. The combination of dust, pet dander and pollen can create an unpleasant living environment without you even knowing it. Cleaning the vents and ducts can reduce the risk of flare-ups and create a more comfortable and safer environment for you and your family.
Minimize Toxins
There are many things that pollute indoor air with toxins that are hazardous to our health. From furniture to wood stains to painted walls to mouldy basements to household cleaners and even air fresheners – many of the things we have and use on a daily basis are bad for us. In some cases, ducts can get so clogged with bacteria and mould that a replacement is the old viable solution. To reduce hazardous toxins in your air and costly replacements, have the ducts cleaned and maintained by a professional at least once each year.
Maintain a Safer Home
Dirty ducts can be a potential fire hazard as debris collects in the system. This risk can increase for those who have HVAC systems that are older or that use fuel for certain features in their home, such as the stove, fireplace, or portable heating units. Keep your home and your family safe by eliminating the risk with air duct cleanings.
Reduce Monthly Bills
In addition to the health benefits, maintaining your ducts can also help your HVAC system work more efficiently, which can lower your monthly bills. Less strain on your HVAC unit will also improve its longevity.
If you’re looking for life or health insurance, contact Desjardins today to get the coverage you need to have peace of mind for you and your family.
