The purpose of your home’s ductwork is to circulate air throughout the building. Therefore, blockages can impact your AC’s energy efficiency and overall home comfort. Here are four ways dirty air ducts can affect you and your family.
1. Can Cause Respiratory Complications
When ductwork becomes excessively clogged with dust and debris, it will eventually get to your home through the registers. When you switch on your AC, pollen and pet dander will be blown into the house.
Dirty ductwork can aggravate symptoms for family members with respiratory conditions. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to asthma and allergic attacks.
2. Unpleasant Odors That Linger for a Long Time
Dirty ductwork can also leave an odor that lingers in the room for a long time. If you smoke, you may want to consider duct cleaning to rid your home of the unpleasant smell.
The July heat in Southeastern Alabama is usually followed by relative humidity levels over 80% in August. High temperatures and moisture can encourage the growth of biological contaminants.
Biological contaminants can quickly spread to other areas of your home if you fail to take prompt action. According to Prime HVAC, the duct cleaning process enhances indoor air quality and eliminates lingering odors from your Dothan home.
3. Leaves Occupants Fatigued and Lethargic
Many pollutants in and around your home can build up in your ductwork and impact indoor comfort. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a group of compounds that can be highly toxic. They are commonly found in household products such as detergents and aerosol sprays. Mold and mildew can also grow in the ductwork.
Both VOCs and biological growth can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and adversely affect the central nervous system. Symptoms of exposure may include nausea and vomiting.
4. Impacts HVAC System Efficiency
The dirt and debris in the ductwork will eventually find their way into your air conditioning system. Layers of dust on the indoor or outdoor unit will insulate coils, preventing them from absorbing and releasing heat.
Additionally, the debris will clog the AC’s filter more frequently, limiting the airflow through your cooling system. Airflow blockages can reduce the system performance and accelerate the wear of critical components.
Your AC will overwork to remove excess moisture and humidity in the building. The strain on your cooling system will impact your comfort and increase your energy bills due to the AC’s diminishing performance.
Dirty air ducts are challenging for many homeowners, especially in Southeastern Alabama’s hot, humid summer. Routine professional cleaning is advisable to restore your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Contact Prime HVAC for dependable AC maintenance solutions in Dothan, AL.