Common Air Duct Contaminants

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Most residential and commercial property owners take their air ducts for granted. So long as cold and hot air is emitted when desired with no chemical or burning scent, most people are content. However, air duct contaminants can become a real problem and it must be addressed. 

Pests

Ductwork is the perfect conduit for warm air during winter and cool air during summer. This makes it an attractive nesting spot for many insects and rodents, some of which might spread pathogens and cause other damage. Unless you enjoy rats, mice or roaches suddenly showing up in your property, you’ll probably want to have your ductwork cleaned regularly. 

Dander, Dirt And Dust

These are the most frequent contaminants that you’ll find in typical ductwork. Textiles such as furniture and carpets often generate dust and dirt will gain entry through windows and doors that are opened. Dander is the result of hair and skin cells that are shed by both animals and people.

The good news is that the majority of dirt, dust, and dander are removed during standard vacuuming and cleaning. The bad news is that because they consist of particles that readily become airborne, your air ducts will suck them in. While HVAC systems have filters that are capable of capturing the particulates in varying quantities, there is still plenty that will end up in the ducts, accumulating as the months and years go by. 

Mold

Mold can be found in virtually every home, from studio apartments to penthouses and mansions. However, most forms are relatively harmless to humans and pets. They result from condensation within ducts which frequently occurs because of insufficient insulation. Once mold colonies form, they will contaminate the air of the interior each time the HVAC system is activated. There is also rare black and green mold that is considered a biohazard and if they appear in your home you’ll need to evacuate so the property can be professionally cleaned.

Allergens And Pollen

Both airborne allergens and pollens behave similarly to dirt, duster, and dander, appearing within air ducts. While some of it comes from outside the building, others will be generated from within. Either way, both will compromise the quality of your indoor air and can cause some serious effects on your health.

As you can see, there are at least five contaminants that can appear in your building’s ductwork. Commercial property owners, in particular, must be careful because businesses are required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to create a safe working environment for employees. If your commercial building is found to have contaminants in the ductwork that is harming employees or customers, it can threaten your business and potentially lead to fines and litigation, not to mention a loss of reputation.

This is why regular cleaning of your ductwork is so important, but because the task can be tedious, it is best to hire a professional like SERVPRO that has the expertise, equipment, and credentials needed to get the job done right.