In Alexander City, the early fall months don’t bring an immediate reprieve from the heat. Through September and October, we still see highs in the 70s and 80s, which means most residents are still running their ACs.
The problem is that after running your HVAC all summer long, you’ve probably got dirty ducts. Without cleaning them out, you may notice health effects as your indoor air quality deteriorates.
What is clogging up your ducts by the fall season, and why is it a problem? We’re here to tell you.
Read on to learn how dirty ducts impact IAQ and what to do about it.
What Causes Dirty Ducts?
If you don’t clean the surfaces in your home from time to time, you’ll start to notice a buildup of irritants like dust, pet hair, and debris. Those same irritants can settle on and inside your air ducts. As this buildup occurs, your air ducts become better host environments for mold and mildew, particularly when humidity is also present.
This is also bad news for seasonal allergy sufferers. When pollen is at its peak (between late spring and early fall), it’s entering your home just about every time you come in from the outdoors. Like dust and other debris, it can build up in your air ducts, keeping allergy season alive every time you run your HVAC system.
How Do Dirty Ducts Impact Fall Indoor Air Quality?
Now that you know what’s clogging up your air ducts, it’s not hard to imagine the negative impact those dirty ducts can have on both indoor air quality and respiratory health. When you use your HVAC system for cooling in early fall and heating in late fall, the system forces air through your home’s air ducts. This then stirs up all of that debris and sends it back into the air.
Airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and dander can trigger allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing. These symptoms are often worse for people who already suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory disorders.
What to Do About Summer Buildup
Airborne contaminants like pollen are at their worst in the summer months. Due to extreme high temperatures, most residents keep their windows shut and their ACs on, meaning that poor-quality air has nowhere to go.
The best way to prepare for fall is to invest in services geared toward indoor air quality improvement, such as air duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance. Getting a fresh start after a long summer season will make your HVAC system more efficient and safer to use throughout the fall.
Schedule Duct Cleaning in Alexander City
When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned and your HVAC system serviced? If it’s been more than two years, it’s time to start thinking about those dirty ducts. Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.
No matter your heating and cooling needs in Alexander City, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to schedule your HVAC services today.
