Regardless of how often you clean your home, there are millions of contaminants floating around, especially in your air ducts. They sit in the ducts, and once you turn on your heater or air conditioner, they are blown and spread throughout the house, causing allergies and various other illnesses in occupants of the home.
Contaminants can be broken into two categories: animate and inanimate. We explain them further below, as to how you can minimize the occurrence of them in your home.
ANIMATE
These pollutants are just as they sound; they are living organisms like mold spores, bacteria, viruses and dust mites. While there are generally fewer of these in the air, their effects are greater. Depending on the bacteria or virus you are exposed to, they cause a variety of sicknesses, from a mild cold to flu-like symptoms. Dust mites and mold spores can irritate the lungs and have longer term health effects if not addressed.
INANIMATE
Inanimate contaminants come from living organisms such as pets and plants and include dust, pollen, and insect and pet dander. Because of this, they are constantly being cast off into the air. These will irritate the lungs and cause coughing and sneezing to those in the home inhaling them. Allergy sufferers will especially feel these effects and could experience more sever symptoms.
How can you get rid of these contaminants and minimize their effects? Cleaning your air ducts at least every other year will remove these contaminants and reduce the amount circulating throughout your home. It will improve your indoor air quality and keep yourself and your family healthier.
Courtesy of Raleigh Heating & Air
