When a sufficient amount of bacteria has collected in your air ducts, there are a number of warning signs to watch for. These signs will typically involve health or breathing issues. Both children and the elderly are especially susceptible to these symptoms, which include sinus congestion, difficulty breathing, irritation of the nose or throat, eyes which are watery, red or burned. Other warning signs that your air ducts may have lots of bacteria include headaches, hay fever or muscle aches.
How to Eliminate the Bacteria in Air Ducts
Many home cleaners regularly clean their homes. But they often forget the air ducts. If this describes you, do not feel sorry. Because it is easy to give the air ducts that usually lie above the head a miss. Nonetheless, there can be countless viruses and bacteria in air ducts- enough to make you fall ill.
If you ever look inside air ducts, you will be shocked to see the amount of dust that has accumulated inside. But, unfortunately that’s not all. Along with the thick layer of dust there are millions of microbes present within the duct. These microorganisms are invisible to the naked but be the cause behind a foul smell that permeates your room and severe illnesses affecting you and your family members.
But do not fret. In this blog, we will cover everything that you need to know to get rid of this menace.
Why Bacteria Thrive in Air Ducts
The air ducts in your home are usually found near the ceilings, wall, attic or crawl spaces. They will typically have a shape which is square, tubular or round, and are responsible for the delivery or cool or warm air for temperature regulation. Vents are used to release this air in various parts of the home. Because of the location of these air ducts many busy homeowners don’t pay much attention to them. Air conditioning systems and heaters will collect dust when not cleaned, and will collect fungi and bacteria which will then be transferred to air ducts, and from there will be sent through vents and be inhaled by anyone in the home.
Types Of Bacteria In Your Air Ducts
Fungus
Mold, a type of fungus commonly appears in air ducts. Molds prefer warm, dirty and humid environments. Therefore, the inside of the air duct offers the perfect place for the propagation of molds. Soon, the molds place spores in the air, which spreads throughout the room when you activate the HVAC. Overtime, these spores will degrade the quality of your home air and make your family members fall ill.
Bio aerosols
Bio aerosol refers to the microscopic organisms that can swing through the air. Some common bio aerosols are pollen, dust mites, amoebas, plant fragments, bacteria, etc. These can severely affect the skin and the respiratory system. The presence of several viruses and bacteria as aerosols can even be life threatening and cause severe respiratory ailments.