Many people don’t realize it, but the air quality in your home can affect your comfort and safety in several ways. Though maintenance and regular cleaning are considered essential by most homeowners, it’s easy to neglect taking care of the quality of your indoor air. Dirty air ducts are one of the most common causes of poor air quality, and they should be cleaned immediately if you want to avoid the issues associated with breathing in polluted air. If you want to know more, read on to find out about three health problems that can stem from dirty air ducts.
1. Respiratory Problems
A quick search for “dirty air ducts health problems” will confirm for you that there are serious risks involved with avoiding proper HVAC maintenance. There are a wide variety of health problems that are associated with exposure to polluted or dirty air, which can be released into your home because of dirty air ducts. The best thing to do to avoid these issues is be proactive about proper HVAC maintenance. You should have your system inspected annually and change the filters at least once every 90 days. If you suspect your air ducts are dirty, call your local HVAC professional about a duct cleaning.
Research has long indicated that the development of lung problems is connected to air pollution. An estimated 7 million deaths globally are attributable to a combination of indoor and ambient air pollution each year. There are even some types of cancer that have been connected to air pollution. Participants in one study who had chronic respiratory diseases were more affected by pollution. Not only can air pollution cause respiratory infections and lung problems, but it can also exacerbate the symptoms of conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2. Autoimmune Disorders
Evidence suggests that dirt buildup inside air ducts can exacerbate the symptoms caused by autoimmune disorders. Contaminants in the home can include pollen, dust, pet dander, debris, and even biological microorganisms. These are all substances that can significantly reduce the quality of your indoor air. This can be dangerous for anyone, but the risks are elevated for anyone with an autoimmune condition, as they are particularly sensitive to these kinds of pollutants. If you or someone in your household suffers from an autoimmune disorder, you should make it a point to have your ducts cleaned more frequently.
3. Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep can have a profound impact on your overall health and wellness, and poor indoor air quality can be a cause of sleep deprivation. You might be surprised to learn how many negative side effects can be caused by lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause memory issues, mood changes, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, weight gain, and increase your risk for developing conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Your body needs sleep just as much as it needs food to eat or fresh air to breathe, and the consequences of long-term sleep deprivation can be severe. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, you should consider whether or not poor air quality could be the reason why.
As you can see, there are real health concerns that can arise from the presence of polluted air. Maintaining good air quality in your home is necessary if you want to keep all members of your household safe. Anyone with allergies, respiratory problems, or an autoimmune condition can be even more vulnerable to the effects of dirty air ducts. You should also be aware of the fact that poor air quality can cause sleep deprivation, which has been linked to many other serious side effects. If you want to protect your family’s health at home, make regular duct cleaning a priority.
