If you have recently started to notice a change in your health, it’s possible that your HVAC may be to blame. For some people, the idea of their HVAC being the reason for their declining health may come as a surprise; however, the truth is that if you do not regularly maintenance your system, you could be breathing in poor quality air.
In order to stay healthy, you should be aware of the potential health health risks that come along with an HVAC system. Here are some of the reasons why you may be negatively affected by your HVAC system.
You Have a Leak
In some cases your health may be suffering as a result of a leak in your system. If you have a furnace that uses natural gas to provide heat, then a leak could cause a serious problem for you and your loved ones.
If you start to notice that you are experiencing a flu like symptoms, then you should take action immediately. Exposure to carbon monoxide won’t just lead to a compromised immune system, it could even lead to death.
You Need To Clean Your Ducts
Whenever you run your air conditioning system, air is pulled from your house and blows out again as cold air through the ducts. At this point the air will move back into the unit through the ducts yet again, where it is then pushed back into the vents in order to keep your house at your desired temperature. As the air recirculates, so do any of the contaminants that your ducts contain.
Over the course of several days, it’s no surprise why this can start to take its toll on your body. Breathing in dirty ducts is one of the most common reasons why people start to be adversely affected by their HVAC systems.
Between dirt, dust, pollen, and even pet hair, your ducts can start to accumulate a considerable amount of debris. If you are an allergy sufferer, it can spark significant problems in your respiratory system.
You Need To Replace Your Filter
In addition to ducts, your HVAC system also contains a filter. The filter’s purpose is to prevent any contaminants from getting into the ducts. It’s important that your filter is changed as needed. Failing to change your filter regularly can result in it failing to do its job.
It’s a good idea to remember to change your filters usually around the point of two or three months since your last change. In some cases, larger systems may have filters which are able to last longer. It’s important to check with your manufacturer to determine how long your filter is good for.