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Climate control technology is designed to help you and your family feel comfortable. However, in some instances, your HVAC system can make you sick – literally.
Your heating or air conditioning system can cause respiratory issues and other illnesses. Fortunately, you can avoid most HVAC-related diseases by being proactive. Consult with a reliable and trusted HVAC contractor to help you whenever you experience HVAC issues.
Wilcox Energy offers professional HVAC services such as heating and cooling tune-ups, repairs, replacements, and installations. Our team of NATE certified technicians is highly-knowledgeable and skilled. We can assist you with all your heating and cooling needs. Call us today to schedule a free estimate.
Indoor Air Quality Facts: Respiratory Issues Associated With Your HVAC System
This article will talk about the various illnesses your HVAC system can cause when it is not maintained adequately.
Dirty Air Ducts
The ductwork in your home is often found behind your walls and ceiling. Because it is hidden from view, many homeowners tend to forget the importance of cleaning their air ducts. Over time, dust, allergens, and other particulates will accumulate. Consequently, this buildup can block your unit’s airflow.
This obstruction causes your HVAC system to work harder so that it can push the air through the blockage. Since your system is working harder than it’s supposed to, it causes it to deteriorate faster. Wear and tear can lead to frequent malfunctions and shortened equipment lifespan.
Additionally, your dark, dirty ductwork can attract rodents and insects. Rodents and insects can infiltrate your home and damage your property. These pests can also be carriers of various diseases that can harm you and your family.
With windows and doors closed, your HVAC system is the sole source of ventilation inside of your home. The heated or cooled air passes through the air ducts before it is released through the vents of your home. Therefore, any accumulated particulates in the ductwork circulate throughout your house when your system turns on. These particulates lower your indoor air quality, making the air that you breathe dirty and unhealthy.
Respiratory Issues
Having a dirty HVAC system significantly affects your health. Poor indoor air quality has many prominent symptoms. Because the air that you breathe in is contaminated, your respiratory system is impacted the most.
Some of the symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. If you have existing conditions, such as asthma or allergies, the contaminants from your dirty HVAC system can further aggravate any symptoms. For instance, an asthmatic person may experience more frequent attacks.
Air ducts that do not receive proper maintenance can also harbor bacteria and fungi. It can also become a breeding ground for mold. When this happens, you will notice that your indoor air has a mildewy and musty smell. When these microorganisms go airborne, they can bring diseases such as Pontiac fever, a disease caused by inhaling legionella bacterium with symptoms that resemble the flu.
Another kind of disease you can get from inhaling the same bacteria is Legionnaires’ disease. It has symptoms such as muscle pain, chills, shortness of breath, coughing, to name a few. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal.
Other Health Issues
Respiratory issues aren’t the only problems that arise when you have a dirty HVAC system. Dehydration is also a common symptom of dirty heating and cooling systems. Since your HVAC system also functions as a dehumidifier in your home, a dirty system can end up pulling too much moisture from the air in your home.
Consequently, the dry air draws more moisture out of your body as well, dehydrating your body. You can experience symptoms such as dehydration headaches. A natural remedy for this is to drink enough water. You can also buy and set up a humidification system for your home.
Dirty HVAC systems can also cause skin irritations. The dry air makes your skin dry and itchy. The longer you stay in an air-conditioned room, the drier your skin becomes. Your skin will have red patches and will start to flake. If you have skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, a dirty HVAC system can further aggravate it.
Preventative Measures
There is a proverb that states an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It means that preventing these diseases from happening is easier than repairing the damage once you and your family are already sick.
The best course of action to take, therefore, is to get your HVAC system maintained regularly. Contact a professional heating and cooling technician to perform a tune-up. Doing so will ensure that your air conditioner or furnace only delivers fresh, healthy air. A technician can assess your indoor air quality parameters and conduct indoor air quality testing. This way, they can make sure that you only receive high indoor air quality standards.
A maintenance checkup includes a full assessment of your heating and cooling system. A professional tech will clean your system and remove any dust and debris. All of the components of your system will be in tiptop shape.
Conclusion
A tune-up helps improve the indoor air quality of your home. Furthermore, HVAC technicians will identify any small issues that your system has. In some cases, poor indoor air quality is a sign that there is something wrong with your heating and cooling unit. Therefore, a tune-up can help catch these issues before they escalate and create problems that are more severe.
For a knowledgeable heating and cooling company, call Wilcox Energy today. We can service your HVAC system so that it runs at peak efficiency. We know the ins and outs of all heating and cooling equipment. Therefore, our services ensure that your furnace or air conditioner can provide you with maximum comfort and healthy air.
Some of our home comfort services include HVAC repairs, installations, replacements, and more. Our NATE certified technicians have years of knowledge and extensive training. By working with us, you will receive quality services at affordable prices. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We offer complimentary estimates.
For more information about our HVAC services, contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us or you can call us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted HVAC services.