Respiratory Problems Associated With Your HVAC System
The changing weather is usually the culprit we point our fingers to whenever we start feeling sick. However, the reason might be closer than you think. If you notice that you and your family are coughing and sneezing more often than before, check your HVAC system.
Your HVAC system controls the temperature in your home. It also controls the ventilation and humidity. Conditioned air is circulated through your ductwork and into your home. Therefore, it is essential to check your air ducts and unit for any debris, dust, pollen, or other allergens.
Lawes Company provides superior and affordable HVAC services. We specialize in heating and cooling tune-ups, furnace repairs, air conditioning installations, and other home comfort needs. Our team of NATE certified technicians is fast, reliable, and friendly. Schedule an HVAC maintenance checkup today. Call now.
How HVAC Repair & Tune-Ups Can Prevent Respiratory Problems
Contents
Your HVAC system controls the air you breathe in while inside your home. Thus, keeping your system clean is essential to have healthy air. This article explains why a dirty HVAC system is a health hazard.
Dirty Air Ducts
Your air duct is connected to your HVAC system. It is the pathway for cold or warm air to travel from your system into your home. No matter how clean your house is, dust and other contaminants can still accumulate in your ductwork over time.
Neglecting to clean your ductwork might not look like it affects your home at first glance. After all, the air ducts are installed behind walls and ceilings. However, pollutants in your air duct can lead to a variety of issues. First, it leads to poor indoor air quality. When air ducts are unclean, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens get trapped. These contaminants are blown inside your home when your system is running.
The longer that your air ducts go without proper maintenance, the more that dust accumulates. This situation can get so bad that it leads to the infestation of pests. Rodents and insects are a nuisance and hard to get rid of. They also carry diseases that can be passed along to humans.
Moreover, air ducts that are clogged with debris affect your HVAC system’s functionality and efficiency. Proper airflow is vital. Air ducts that are blocked with contaminants strain your heating and cooling equipment. It leads to faster deterioration. It also causes high electric bills. Because of the wear and tear, your system will also experience frequent malfunctions. It can also lead to system failure.
Respiratory Issues
The worst consequence of a dirty HVAC system is that it is a serious threat to your health. Sick building syndrome is a condition that is attributed to an unhealthy environment. Often, poor ventilation in a building leads its inhabitants to suffer from respiratory illnesses. Sneezing, eye irritation, sore throat, and shortness of breath are some symptoms of sick building syndrome. Prolonged exposure can lead to more severe symptoms. Some of these include nosebleeds, muscle discomforts, chest pains, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Another thing you need to worry about is the infiltration of mold. Air ducts that are dense with contaminants attract condensation. This dampness, in turn, attracts mold and bacteria. When mold becomes airborne, it can cause a multitude of breathing problems. It is especially problematic when you are dealing with toxic black mold. Exposure to black mold can irritate the mucous membranes and lead to chronic fatigue, nausea, and more.
Pontiac fever and Legionnaire’s disease are other illnesses you can acquire from having dirty air ducts. The Legionella bacteria cause problems like these. This bacteria can be found in wet places such as showers, fountains, and your damp and dirty air ducts. Legionnaire’s disease is a kind of pneumonia. It can be characterized by symptoms such as chills, fever, coughs, and general malaise. It can cause respiratory failure, and it can be fatal.
Other Health Issues
Aside from respiratory problems, other parts of your body can also experience issues from a dirty HVAC system. Dust and other allergens from your air ducts can cause skin irritations. Poor ventilation causes dry and itchy skin. You and your family might also experience rashes and other skin ailments. If you have pre-existing air conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, dirty ductwork can further aggravate these issues.
Another health issue is eye allergies. An eye allergy is an immune reaction to dust and other pollens. Although relatively harmless, an eye allergy can cause a couple of irritating symptoms. Itchy, burning, redness and watery eyes, are some symptoms. It can escalate to scaling around the eyes, and swollen eyelids. Eye allergies are often accompanied by congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Preventative Measures
The best way you can avoid these health problems is to conduct a routine maintenance checkup for your HVAC system. You need to contact a trusted local HVAC contractor right away. This way, you can avoid technical problems for your AC or furnace as well. A professional tune-up includes the cleaning and lubricating of your HVAC system. A clean system can perform its job of cleaning your indoor air and creating the proper amount of airflow. Furthermore, an expert has the adequate tools to make sure that your ductwork is clean and is free from pests and molds. Be sure to search for “HVAC repair near me” to find a reputable heating and air conditioning in your area.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Scheduling frequent maintenance checkups for your HVAC system guarantees that you and your family will receive high-quality, healthy air. In turn, you do not need to worry about your dirty HVAC system and its accompanying health problems.
Conclusion
If you are looking to schedule professional service from an HVAC technician, contact Lawes Company today. We only hire the best heating and cooling technicians in the area. They are NATE certified with the necessary skills and knowledge to diagnose and solve your HVAC problems. We specialize in HVAC repair services, tune-ups, installations, indoor air quality solutions, energy efficiency improvements, and more.
When we service your system, our friendly HVAC technicians will make sure that your system works efficiently and that it can create a comfortable environment for you. We provide HVAC services at affordable prices, including our HVAC repair costs. Schedule an appointment with us today. We offer free estimates and free second opinions.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!