The Need for Air Duct Cleaning and Maintenance
The heating and cooling system is the backbone of the buildings in which we live and work. Air ducts take in the air and dust that are released through the air vents. When working properly, the system should protect you from indoor air pollution. But if ducts are dirty, then it can create some serious health problems for the occupants.
Indoor air quality in the home or workplace is the subject of a lot of focus at work these days, and for good reason. In our indoor environments, air quality can have a major impact on the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants.
The Effects of Dirty Air Ducts
Sick-building syndrome is a condition that affects many homeowners and building employees. Symptoms are usually characterized by headaches and breathing problems, which are associated with toxic or traumatic conditions such as poor ventilation in the working environment. Studies show that 1 out of 4 buildings in the United States is listed as sick.
If 20% of the staff or family members has symptoms such as vomiting, swollen eyes, soreness, headaches, itchy skin, nausea, dizziness, constant tiredness, shortness of breath, mental fogginess, or even cancer, then the building may be identified as a sick building.
Historically, a building’s ventilation requirements were given priority by the energy conservation board over sufficient outdoor ventilation, mandating that its conditions are considered to be insufficient to preserve the health and comfort of the occupants. The factors that prompted this include malfunctioning ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems. As a result, indoor air pollution is also increased.
How to Increase the Quality of Air in Your Home or Workplace
Homes today are built airtight to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency. But doing this may also limit the fresh air entering the home. Homeowners must be educated about the safety of indoor air and the benefits of air duct cleaning. Families generate large amounts of air pollutants and allergens, such as dust, dirt, and pet hair. Pollution may also come from cleaning products, hair spray chemicals, cooking oils, and more.
If contaminants can’t go anywhere, they end up reaching the heating and cooling systems where they are recirculated and distributed all over your home several times a day. Over time, this allows the debris and harmful chemicals to build up in the ductwork, reducing indoor air quality and encouraging the spread of bacteria and allergens. For those with asthma, the allergens in the air may trigger an attack.
Symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution
Whether you’re at work or at home, and you experience headache, nausea, and fatigue, then you have a problem with indoor air quality. The same is true if you feel that you have an eye, throat, and nose irritation. Patients with asthma and allergy, as well as seniors and young children, seem to be more susceptible to the negative effects of poor indoor air quality.
To combat this problem, the air must be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Make sure to look that you hire an expert in air duct cleaning Troy MI that is duly accredited by certified organizations. That will assure you of a service that is at par with industry standards.