Did you know that indoor air quality is directly linked to the health and wellbeing of Pelham, AL residents? It’s true! What you may not realize is that your HVAC system and ductwork play a major role in the quality of the air you breathe every day.

HVAC systems circulate the air in your home and filter it while also performing heating and cooling functions. When the system is compromised or there’s a problem with the ductwork, such as a leak, the unit can’t operate efficiently.

How Does Ductwork Affect My Health?

Even though you can’t see it, the air in your home may be filled with bacteria, allergens, and pollutants from chemicals and household products. These irritants can result in headaches, congestion, asthma, and breathing problems. This is especially true for the elderly, children, and other vulnerable individuals.

Broken, ill-fitting, or leaky ductwork prevents the HVAC unit from operating at maximum capacity, resulting in a higher quantity of irritants in the air and a lower IAQ. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to have your HVAC system and ductwork inspected.

Unsure how ductwork can affect IAQ? Consider these three factors:

Poor Humidity Control

Leaky ducts or damaged ventilation systems cannot properly remove moisture from the air. As a result, organic growth can spread throughout your home. Leaky pipes in a bathroom or basement can be easy to spot, but leaky spots in ductwork are much harder to find. Additionally, the HVAC unit will blast these contaminants into your living areas every time the system kicks on.

Reduced HVAC Performance

Modern HVAC systems are pretty good at filtering the air, but only when the ductwork is clean and in good repair. Duct leaks impair the system’s functionality, preventing it from properly cleaning the air while also placing undue stress on the unit. The result? Higher utility costs and reduced IAQ.

Exposure to Pollutants and Gases

Leaks and gaps in return ducts can cause the HVAC system to pull poor-quality air from outdoors, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and gases from the chimney or appliances and carry it into your home. This air is unfiltered and significantly reduces your home’s IAQ.

If your utility bills have increased, your HVAC unit isn’t heating or cooling evenly, or you see excess dust in your home, it’s time to schedule an inspection with One Hour Air Conditioning. Visit our website or give us a call at (205) 690-4145 today.