In an elegant modern home, there’s no need to look at the functional structures like electrical wiring or plumbing pipes. These things are tucked neatly behind clean, smooth sheetrock. And that can make it so that we hardly ever think about them, unless something obvious is going wrong.
Another functional structure that’s tucked away and frequently forgotten about is the ductwork for your HVAC system. Unfortunately, the fact that you can’t see it doesn’t mean you never need to think about it. What’s lurking inside your air ducts? Is it posing any risk to your health or your home? Do you need to schedule a duct cleaning? Here’s what you should know.
Dust Is Everywhere
Dust particles are simply going to exist in the air. Anyplace that air passes through will accumulate dust. Think of any surface in your home—a table, a shelf. If you never cleaned it, imagine the dust that would build up in a year. How long has it been since you’ve had your ducts cleaned?
Additional sources of dust are a good reason to schedule a duct cleaning. If you’ve had any work done in your home, such as renovation or repairs, there will be a lot of extra dust created, and it will end up in your ductwork. Nearby construction of roads or homes, particularly dry weather conditions, or having multiple pets in the home will also create a lot of dust.
Your Respiratory Health Matters
Dust of any kind, whether ordinary dirt, sawdust and sheetrock dust, or anything else, can contribute to respiratory problems. Certain kinds of dust, such as pollen, pet dander, or the particulate that settles out of smoke, can cause allergic reactions and other serious respiratory ailments. You deserve to breathe air that will make you feel well, not ill!
Any consistent or recurring respiratory or allergy symptoms without an obvious cause are a very clear signal that you should schedule duct cleaning in Lubbock, TX. This could include itchy eyes, skin irritation, sneezing, coughing, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, or headaches.
Moisture Creates Breeding Grounds
If dampness is allowed to accumulate and pool within your ducts, it’s a perfect ecosystem for some very unpleasant things to grow. Mold and bacteria love the darkness in your ducts. Mildew smell or a sour odor are indicators that your ductwork should be cleaned, especially if those smells are strongest when the HVAC system is on or when you bring your nose close to a vent.
Pests Create Waste
Where there are animals, there are also animal droppings, and you don’t want those droppings to be blown around in the air of your home. Ductwork can be a very inviting place for small animals to hide or make nests. Snakes have even been known to slither into ducts for warmth in winter! Because their waste can cause disease, and because the animals can do damage to the ducts, any suspicion of pests in ductwork is cause for an inspection and cleaning.
JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Lubbock area. Contact us for all your duct cleaning needs.