HUD Homes Articles | Your air duct system functions as the respiratory system of your home. When it becomes contaminated and congested, it should be cleaned so it can “breathe” normally and efficiently.
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, it may be time to have your air ducts cleaned.
-Does anyone in the house have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems?
-Does anyone in your family suffer from headaches, nasal congestion, or itchy eyes?
-Is there a smoker in the house?
-Do you have dogs, cats or other pets?
-Do you notice “musty” or “stale” odors when the furnace runs?
-Do you notice dust on your furniture shortly after cleaning?
-Does your furnace utilize a standard throw away filter?
Important Facts About Indoor Air Quality And Your Family’s Health!
The quality of the air we breathe indoors has become an increasingly important environmental concern. Following are FACTS that have been determined by recognized authorities in the fields of health and air quality:
-Most people spend 60-90% of their time indoors. (American Lung Association)
-50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or aggravated by, polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)
-The levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air has been found to be up to 70 times greater than in outdoor air.
-Studies have shown that two out of three indoor air quality problems involve the Heating Ventilation System.
-One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Total Health and Better Health Magazines)
-10-12 Million Americans suffer from Asthma (American College of Allergists)
-Children and the elderly are especially affected by polluted indoor air. (Department of Consumer Affairs)
Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander and other airborne contaminants are pulled into your air duct system every time the furnace runs. These contaminants build up inside the duct work over time and can help make your duct system an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and other microbes. Each time the furnace is turned on, contaminants are spewed out and circulated throughout your home and affect the health and comfort of your family.
The removal of contaminants from the entire air duct system is recognized by industry experts as the most effective way to eliminate air duct pollutants.
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Pat Johnson - President of Enviro-Pure Air Care, an Ottawa Duct Cleaning company located in Ontario, Canada Pat has many years experience in the Duct Cleaning Industry and has written numerous articles about Duct Cleaning practices. Copyright ? 2005 megazowie |
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Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate mater in air ducts poses any risk to your health.