20 May Why Cleaning Your Air Ducts Is Essential for Health & Safety

Posted at 12:20h in Duct Cleaning by Daniel Evans

Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? And that’s not all. Poor indoor air quality is also linked to several health problems, including asthma, allergies, and migraines.

So, what’s the best way to improve indoor air quality? One of the most effective ways is to have your air ducts cleaned. While your HVAC does have filters that help trap contaminants, dust, dirt, and grime can build up in your ductwork over time, making it necessary to have them professionally cleaned. Professional air duct cleaning is an integral part of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, and every business owner should ensure they regularly arrange it.

Sources of Airborne Contamination

Airborne contaminants are all around us, both inside and outside of buildings. Some common sources include:

Raw Materials

The manufacturing process of building materials, furniture and other products can release dust, harmful chemicals, and hazardous fibres into the air.

Outdoor Air

Air pollution, pollen, and other outdoor irritants can enter a building through doors, windows, and air vents.

Indoor Air

Cooking, cleaning, and other fumes from manufacturing can release airborne grease, harmful chemicals and toxic vapours into the air inside a building.

Allergens

Dust mites, mould and fungal spores, and waste from pest infestations can circulate through a building’s ductwork causing allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.

People

Our bodies are constantly shedding skin cells, hair, and other particles that can become airborne. Additionally, coughing, sneezing, and even talking can release contaminants like viruses into the air.

Poorly Designed or Maintained Ventilation Systems

If a building’s ventilation system is not designed correctly or is not well-maintained, it can circulate contaminated air throughout the premises.

Machinery, Computers and Other Equipment

The constant operation of machinery, computers and other equipment can release pollutants into your workplace.

While many airborne contaminants are not harmful at low levels, exposure to high concentrations can cause various health problems, including respiratory irritation, headaches, and fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and control potential sources to protect workers and customers from the adverse effects of airborne contamination.

Health Hazards of Contaminated Air

Maintaining good air quality is essential to the health of everyone in a building, and it is the responsibility of the building manager or owner to ensure that the air is clean and free of impurities.

When it’s not adequately maintained, HVAC systems can release hazardous particles that can cause a range of health problems, from respiratory illnesses and headaches to cancer.

When contaminants build up in ductwork, they get released into the air each time the system is turned on, exposing people to potentially harmful pollutants all day long.

Allergies:

Allergies can be a significant problem for those who suffer from them and those who have to live or work with someone who does. An overreaction of the immune system causes allergies to a particular substance, such as dust, pollen, or mould. When the allergen is inhaled, it triggers a cascade of inflammatory chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms can range from annoying but harmless (sneezing, watery eyes) to potentially life-threatening (difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat).

Cleaning your air ducts can help remove the irritants causing these reactions and improve the air quality for everyone in the building.

Asthma:

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. A number of airborne particles can trigger asthma attacks. Examples include dust mites, pollen, mould spores, and animal dander. Even small amounts of these types of triggers can cause a severe reaction in people with asthma.

Cold & Flu:

The common cold and flu are caused by viruses spread through the air. When people cough or sneeze, they release droplets into the surroundings that contain the virus. Other people can then breathe in these droplets and become infected. As a result, both viruses are highly contagious and can be spread easily from person to person. While it is not possible to eliminate all germs from indoor air, reducing the level of airborne contaminants can help to reduce the spread of illness.

SARS-CoV-2:

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that causes the illness COVID-19. It is spread through contact with airborne respiratory secretions, such as droplets from coughing or sneezing. Studies have shown that a HVAC system correctly prepared to filter and purify the air in indoor spaces can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus.

Why you should maintain efficient HVAC systems

The dust, mould, and other contaminants that can accumulate in a building’s air ducts can have many negative consequences. Not only can they adversely affect people’s health, but they can also reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system. When contaminants block airflow, the system has to work harder to circulate air, which leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. In addition, the build-up of contaminants can cause the system to break down more frequently, resulting in costly repairs.

By scheduling regular air duct cleaning, you can help extend the life of your HVAC system and keep it running efficiently. In addition, periodic cleaning can also help to improve the indoor air quality of your workplace, making it a healthier and more pleasant place to be.

The benefits of ductwork cleaning

Commercial ductwork is out of sight and out of mind for many business owners and facility managers. However, regularly cleaning ducts can have several benefits, including improved air quality, increased energy efficiency, and extended equipment life.

When ducts are full of dirt and debris, they restrict airflow, making it harder for HVAC systems to maintain comfortable temperatures. This issue puts unnecessary strain on equipment and can lead to premature failures.
Dirty ducts can lead to indoor air pollution, which can cause a variety of health issues. Regular duct cleaning can help to improve air quality and prevent these problems.
By keeping air ducts clear of blockages, you can help your HVAC system to run more efficiently, saving money on energy costs.
Regularly cleaning your ductwork can help prolong the life of your HVAC equipment and keep your business running smoothly.

Bring in a professional duct cleaning service

While there are a number of benefits to cleaning your air ducts, it is essential to remember that this is not a do-it-yourself project. Air ducts are complex systems, and they should be cleaned by trained professionals. Attempting to clean ductwork yourself can be dangerous, and it could damage your HVAC system. In addition, without the proper training and equipment, you will not be able to clean the ducts effectively.

Professional duct cleaning services will have the knowledge and experience necessary to clean your ducts safely and efficiently. In addition, they will have the proper equipment to reach all of the hard to reach areas that need cleaning. By bringing in a trained professional, you can ensure that your ducts are correctly maintained and that your HVAC system is not damaged.

Contact Us

Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the latest technology to clean your air ducts quickly and thoroughly. We understand the importance of keeping your business running smoothly, so we work around your schedule to minimise disruption.

If you’re interested in learning more about commercial HVAC cleaning or if you would like to find out what services we offer, please get in touch with us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and arrange a free site inspection.