A variety of pollutants can enter your home through cracks in your windows, walls, and doors. Many people aren’t aware of the fact that pollutants, including allergens and irritants like mold, spores, dust, and plant particles, can also enter your home through your air ducts. Without regular air duct cleaning and maintenance from a professional, your air ducts may be susceptible to mold growth that can radically affect your home’s air quality. If you’re concerned about allergy symptoms due to mold growth and other contaminants, keep reading for information on the importance of cleaning your air ducts.
How Mold Grows in Homes
Mold grows in very specific environments – ones that are dark, damp, and humid. Certain places in your home, such as air ducts, water heater closets, and cabinetry that contains plumbing, may be the perfect breeding ground for mold. Water-damaged areas, especially under carpeting, are also very susceptible to mold. The most important way to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture levels in your home by drying wet areas within 24 hours to prevent mold growth, having leaks fixed as soon as possible, and regularly cleaning out air ducts and other areas where mold growth is likely.
Health Problems Due to Mold
Mold can cause health problems, especially in those who have existing respiratory problems, asthma, allergies, illnesses, or compromised immune systems. Even if you have never experienced allergies to other plant parts, dust, or animals, you may experience allergy symptoms due to mold. Common reactions to mold include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Mold exposure can also cause asthma attacks. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to irritation of the nose, skin, throat, lungs, and eyes.
Why Air Duct Cleaning Is Important
Cleaning your air ducts is crucial to preventing mold growth and alleviating any existing air quality issues that are causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Many people clean their air ducts upon moving into a new home, or as part of their regular annual HVAC system maintenance. If you or your neighbors smoke, or if you own pets, regular air duct cleaning is even more important to rid your home of pollutants and allergens. Air duct cleaning also allows an expert to inspect your duct work for signs of leaks, damage, mold, or other issues that need repair.
If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for air duct cleaning in Pittsburgh, PA, Bactronix can help! At Bactronix, we’re experts on Fighting the Invisible Enemy® – germs, mold, pollutants, and allergens that can affect your health and the air quality of your home. Schedule an appointment with a certified specialist today via our website or call us at (412) 375-7886.
