The Impact Of Dirty Air Ducts On Indoor Air Quality

When your air duct is dirty, it negatively impacts the air quality inside the home. When dust, pollen, mold, or pest droppings accumulate inside the ductwork, these particles are pushed into the living space, affecting the air we breathe in.

This can trigger allergies, worsen asthma, and create persistent odors or discomfort indoors. If you have children and people with respiratory conditions – they may suffer due to this. Homeowners in Rancho Cordova may also notice excessive dust settling on furniture – which is a sign that your ducts may need cleaning.

Understanding how dirty air ducts impact indoor air is the first step to improving the health and cleanliness of your home and ensuring the air inside is as fresh as it should be.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality — Book a Professional Duct Inspection Now

6 Ways How Dirty Air Ducts Mess With Your Indoor Air Quality

Here’s how dirty air ducts affect indoor air quality –

1. Increased Allergens In The Air

If you’ve been sneezing more, it must be your dirty air ducts spreading allergens. Dirty air ducts turn your home into a hotspot for allergens. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and even mold spores accumulate inside the ductwork and become part of the air circulating throughout the rooms.

Each time you turn on the HVAC, it blows these microscopic irritants into the living room. When the concentration of these allergens increases, it causes sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and breathing difficulties.

Also, it makes finding relief challenging for people already suffering from allergies. What makes it worse is – the duct system often recycles these particles, which causes them to settle and then re-enter the airflow repeatedly.

2. Poor Odor Control

Have you ever noticed that certain weird smells just seem to hang around your home a little too long? Air ducts can become reservoirs for lingering and unpleasant odors. Cooking odors, pet smells, smoke – and even old cleaning chemicals – all sneak into the air duct and settle in.

And once they’re in there, your HVAC starts circulating those smells every time it runs. Sometimes these smells can be hard to identify and may sometimes smell like mold or mildew, and other times they may smell like bird or pet poop.

Well, of course, you can mask it off with air fresheners, but it won’t last. Dirty air ducts are basically like sponges, which trap the odor and release them slowly, leaving the air inside the home feeling unclean.

3. Something Smells… Off

Sometimes, it’s not a very strong or obvious odor – it just feels like something is off. Maybe the air feels musty, slightly sour, or just unpleasant in a way you can’t quite describe or place. When moisture and dust combine in the ductwork – it can create a perfect thriving environment for mold and mildew.

And if pests have found their way into the system – their dropping, or worse – their remains – can quietly rot, releasing subtle but persistent smells. Well, your HVAC doesn’t know the difference. It just circulates whatever is in the ducts.

So, coming back to that “off” smell – it’s not just the air. It is what may be coming out of your air duct. If you notice these smells and don’t know where they come from, get your air ducts checked.

4. Airflow Feels Weaker Than Usual

Does the air coming out of the vents feel weak? If so, it is because of dirty air ducts. When dust, debris, etc., build up inside the duct, they start to clog the pathways that air is supposed to flow through. Though you get some air – it’s not sufficient enough.

The blocked airways cause discomfort and make your HVAC system work harder. This results in higher energy bills and early wear and tear of your appliances. If you notice weaker or inconsistent airflow, your air ducts need some serious cleaning.

5. Your Skin Might Feel Irritated

Dirty air ducts give out dust and pollutants whenever your HVAC is turned on, which might actually irritate your skin. When your ducts are filled with dust, mold spores, etc., they settle on your skin, leaving it dry, itchy, or even a bit inflamed – especially if you have conditions such as eczema.

Airborne contaminants can also strip the moisture from the air, which leaves your skin feeling tight and dehydrated. However, it’s not always possible to connect the symptoms and the cause, but if out of nowhere your skin starts to itch or irritate, the reason could be your indoor air.

And since the duct system is constantly circulating this air, the problem doesn’t go away on its own. Hence, the air ducts should be cleaned immediately.

6. The Air Does Not Feel Refreshed

Have you ever walked into a room where the air feels heavenly, refreshed, light, easy, and good? That’s what your HVAC should deliver. But when your air duct is dirty, the opposite happens.

Instead of moving fresh, clean air through your home, the system starts pushing around stale, dusty air that’s been sitting in the ductwork. Even if you keep your home clean, tidy, and properly ventilated, the lingering heaviness in the air can stick around.

The air might feel stuffy or even leave you feeling a bit sluggish – which is noticeable, too. It is also a sign that the air inside is not as fresh as it should be. When the air ducts are full of dust and debris – your home feels less homey.

Expert Tips To Clean Dirty Air Ducts

Here are some tips on how you can clean your air ducts and keep your home clean and tidy –

• Turn off the HVAC system before cleaning to prevent dust from spreading while working inside the ducts.
• Remove and clean vent covers using soap and water to eliminate built-up grime and debris.
• Change the air filter regularly to reduce dust buildup and keep airflow clean and efficient.
• Loosen the dirt with a stiff-bristle brush, and clean along the duct walls and corners.
• Inspect for mold or pests and call a professional if you spot any signs of infestation.
• Use a high-powered vacuum with a long hose to suck out dust deep in the ducts.

For deeper cleaning of your air ducts – trust a professional for air duct cleaning in Rancho Cordova. They’ll get the job done right!

How Often Should You Clean The Air Ducts?

The general recommendation is to clean the air ducts every 3-5 years, but the right frequency may depend on your home and lifestyle. The ducts are more likely to accumulate debris and allergens much faster than average. If you have –

• Pets that shed
• Recently renovated
• Someone in the household suffers from allergies or asthma

In such cases, you need to clean them more often – every 2-3 years – to maintain a healthy airflow and breathable air.

Environmental factors also play a role in deciding the cleaning frequency. If you reside in dusty climates or areas with poor outdoor air quality, you may need attention sooner. Likewise, if you’ve moved to a new home and don’t know when the ducts were last cleaned – it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection.

Stay proactive with your cleaning schedules – it ensures clean and fresh air that continues to flow through your home, day in and day out!

Your Health Starts with the Air You Breathe — Schedule a Duct Cleaning Now!

Takeaway

If you leave your air ducts, they harbor dust, allergens, mold, and other pollutants that cause low indoor air quality. Their effects are mostly felt before they’re seen. Though DIY cleaning and maintenance can help – a professional air duct cleaning offers a thorough and effective solution.

Looking For Duct Cleaning Services Rancho Cordova? Call Kleen Air Now For Professional Assistance!

Kleen Air offers several heating and cooling services, including air duct cleaning services. Our licensed team will complete the job without hassle – hence, we are the company you can put your trust in. We are family-owned and have been operating since 1974. We value our customers and treat you as a part of a family.

Call us to book a FREE consultation.