Your home is supposed to be your safe space. Without the proper maintenance, though, it could actually make you sick. Homes sometimes fall victim to what is known as “sick building syndrome.” Dirty air ducts are a major contributing factor of this problem. Are your air ducts making you sick?

How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Think of your air ducts as your home’s lungs. They take in the air around them and circulate that same air back into your home. We then inhale that air into our own lungs. Unfortunately, when your air ducts are circulating dirty air, that means you’re inhaling it. Indoor air is often more polluted than the air outdoors, and it can cause serious problems for many people, especially those with allergies and asthma.

In homes with dirty air ducts, occupants may experience symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of allergies, including coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. Mold, dust and other contaminants lurking in your ducts could also cause sore throat, headaches and even dizziness.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?

Fortunately, you and your family don’t have to live with the symptoms of dirty air ducts. There are several things you can do to help keep the ducts in your home clean and enjoy breathing fresh, clean air.

Have your air ducts cleaned by a professional annually
Replace your air filters as recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system
Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, and vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust
Replace carpet with hard floors
Take off your shoes when entering your home to avoid tracking in outdoor allergens

At Carter Services, we are here to help you keep up with HVAC maintenance, including cleaning your air ducts.
If you think your home may have fallen victim to sick building syndrome, contact us today to request an appointment.