An allergic reaction occurs when an individual’s immune system responds to a substance not native to the body. Different people usually experience various reactions, making it difficult to predict a severe or even life-threatening reaction to indoor allergens. Allergen exposure can be especially dangerous for people with asthma, auto-immune disorders, or respiratory conditions. An air duct cleaning is more recommended for people who are experiencing allergies or asthma symptoms. This should be done on a regular basis as it can not only help reduce the number of allergens in your home but also help provide relief from allergy and asthma triggers. Here is how duct cleaning helps allergies and asthma.
Air Ducts Collect and Distribute Allergens Air ducts usually collect and distribute allergens throughout your home. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America defines an allergic reaction as your immune system’s release of antibodies to fight anything it determines to be a threat. An allergy attack may include a rash, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or sneezing. Before an HVAC system can push hot or cold air throughout your home, it pulls unfiltered air which may contain contaminants. If you blow on a dirty bookcase, that dust becomes airborne and coats your throat and sinus passages as it disperses. Keeping your home clean is quite important but these allergens build up in your ductwork over time. Contaminants circulating through your ducts When considering whether to have duct cleaning or not, it’s important to remember that all your indoor air usually circulates through your HVAC system and ductwork. Here are just some of the things that could potentially be released into the air you’re breathing:
- Dust mites – Dust is a big problem for those that suffer from allergies and asthma. Unclean ducts usually spew dust which then settles on the walls and surfaces of your home.
- Pollen – Pollen usually enters your home through open windows and doors, and is dispersed throughout your space by the HVAC system.
- Mold – Mold isn’t always visible and can grow anywhere in your home. As mold grows, it releases airborne spores, which are another potential cause of allergy symptoms.
- Pet dander – Your ductwork might be spreading dander throughout your space. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that about 3 in 10 people in the US have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.
- Bacteria – if bacteria find their way into your HVAC system, they can circulate throughout your indoor space via ducts and make you sick.
- Viruses – some viruses are airborne and can stay in the air long enough until they find their way into your ducts.
Does duct cleaning reduce allergies? Yes. Regular cleaning of vents and ducts reduces allergens in your home that are known to cause asthma attacks, sinusitis, and other respiratory problems. Basically, your air ducts circulate air throughout your home. Thus, allergens that enter your home also enter its air ducts. When your HVAC system is running, these allergens are released back into the air for you to breathe. The air ducts in your home are designed to circulate air throughout the house, and they are used when both heating and cooling your home. So, air duct cleaning removes any potential allergens from your ductwork.
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