When you think about it, 90% of our time is spent indoors. Most of us take for granted that the air is safe to breathe. There are specific warning signs that point to poor indoor air quality and cause potential health effects associated with long term exposure.

The indoor air can be influenced by many things in the environment. The quality of the air is primarily impacted by four kinds of issues. The list includes airborne particles such as pollen and pet dander, mold, bacteria, and chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Poor ventilation and the release of contaminants from different sources inside and outside the home can affect the air quality. Also, high temperatures and humidity can aggregate the problem causing contaminates to multiply.

Here are specific signs that air duct cleaning may be needed:

• Dusty environment
• Black lines or debris around the registers or diffusers
• Awake feeling congested
• Burning smell when the furnace kicks on
• Musty odors
• Allergies flaring up

Any of the above signs point towards needing air duct cleaning. If ignored the air quality will only get worse, and the exposure can have negative health implications. Long term exposure could be detrimental or cause chronic health issues. Excessive Coughing, sore throats, wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and headaches may be the effects of poor air quality. In some cases, the air quality can even cause or increase upper respiratory congestion, rhinitis, nasal congestion, nose bleeds, asthma, or lung disease.

The first step in improving and avoiding these health effects is air duct cleaning. Utilizing a firm that is NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) Certified is ideal. The cost of cleaning the air ducts does not compare to the investment to protect your family from bad air. A HEPA rated air filter can also improve the air after the cleaning is completed.