CONDO ARCHIVES

Compromised Air Ducts

June 2023

Air ducts are the key to keeping air in your home clean and safe.  Regardless of how the rest of your HVAC system functions and the quality of your air filters, poorly maintained air ducts transport unclean air into your home.  Since the air duct system is mostly unseen, it often gets overlooked.

Your air duct system can accumulate too much dust because of building air quality, poor air filtration, damage or leaks.  If enough dust accumulates it can re-enter units.  Water leaking into the system or high humidity can cause mould to grow in the air duct system which leads to ailments such as asthma, allergies or respiratory infections.  Pests such as mice, squirrels or insects can enter a compromised air duct system, leaving behind nesting material and droppings which find their way into the air in your home.

A well-maintained HVAC system can prevent these problems.   A regular cleaning improves air quality and lessens the stress on your HVAC system which helps it to last longer.  Energy efficiency is improved and mechanical issues less frequent.

Air duct system cleaning requires more than a vacuum cleaner and hose.  Dislodged debris can float into the air, into your home and into your lungs.  Spaces need to be visually inspected to identify problem areas and ensure they have been properly cleaned.

Without clean air ducts, other measures for keeping the air in your home clean will be less effective.