Are you facing respiratory issues more frequently than normal? It’s possible that the air ducts in your home are causing poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and making you sick. According to the American Lung Association poor IAQ can lead to infections, exacerbate chronic breathing issues and, in extreme cases, contribute to lung cancer.

Is poor indoor air quality at home causing respiratory problems?

People experience respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and a feeling of having the flu as a result of poor IAQ. Lingering smells and fumes can also have a psychological impact, causing a feeling uncleanliness. If you or a family member are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be time to have your air ducts cleaned.

Poor indoor air quality and asthma

One of the most widespread respiratory conditions in Canada, asthma shows how crucial IAQ actually is to well-being. According to the Government of Canada nearly 2.5 million Canadians (over the age of 12) live with asthma today. In an asthma attack inflammation narrows the airways, and as air passages constrict it becomes much harder to breathe. Asthma attacks can be triggered at home by a whole host of factors:

  • Mould and mildew
  • Household chemicals and cleaners
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Humidity
  • Scented candles and perfumes
  • Coal and wood smoke
  • Pet dander
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Insects and rat droppings
  • Radon gas

Is duct cleaning necessary?

Air duct cleaning at home is not a silver bullet for improving IAQ but it certainly plays a big part. The air at home depends on lifestyle, cooking habits, environmental factors and contaminants potentially entering from outside and dirty air ducts.

Having dirty ducts cleaned can reduce the incidence of respiratory conditions. In fact, many people report feeling the air ‘smells cleaner’ and ‘feels lighter’. That is anecdotal, of course, and an IAQ meter is a much more scientific measure. Here are a few reasons why duct cleaning is necessary:

  1. Reduce allergens

Pollen and other allergens will accumulate in air ducts over time and can be re-circulated through the system. Having them cleared can improve allergies.

  1. Cigarette smoke

Cigarette and vape smoke lingers for long periods of time, leaving behind a very telltale smell that simply does not filter out. That can be removed only by having the air ducts cleaned.

  1. Cleaner home

The floors get vacuumed and swabbed, bed sheets are changed, but air ducts shouldn’t be cleaned? A thoroughly cleaned duct can reduce the cleaning required around the house and promote a cleaner home environment.

  1. Remove smells and odours

Duct cleaning help eliminate the musty smells that becomes prevalent after a few years. Food particles and pet dander in particular can flood the house with unpleasant smells.

With over 40 years in the business, Ontario Duct Cleaning is proud to be the trusted air duct cleaning provider of choice in Ontario. Speak to a representative at an ODC location near you.