7 WARNING SIGNS OF A INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUE

Websites • May 22, 2020

Indoor air quality issues can cause problems for you and your health. A common question we get at DuctMasters is, what warning signs should I look for? To answer that question, we’ve listed the 7 Warning Signs of an Indoor Air Quality Issue.

1. There is a mildew or musty odor within the building or home.

The first reaction many people have to a foul odor is to spray something to mask the smell or open upon a window to get fresh air. That doesn’t solve the cause of the odor problem. The air-conditioning system and ductwork can be built up with dirt, bacteria and even mold that causes a musty or wet-shoe smell. DuctMasters offers a wide range of odor elimination services to remove odors and prevent future odors.

2. Air vents may be showing signs of dirt, mildew or mold.

Air vents showing moisture, dirt, mildew or mold is one of the most common visual indicators of contaminated or leaky air ducts. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mold includes eye and skin irritation, wheezing, nasal stuffiness and can even result in fever or shortness of breath. Here’s more information about the health effects of mold in the air ducts.

3. People in the home or building are complaining about their allergies or asthma acting up.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the link between some common indoor air pollutants and health effects is very well established. They also explain that numerous air pollutants such as pet dander, dust, chemicals, cockroach allergens can contribute to our allergies. These contaminants are often found in dirty air duct systems. More about that here.

4. Recent construction has been performed with the air-conditioning system running and dust has accumulated within the system.

If appropriate measures aren’t taken during construction, dust, dirt and other contaminants can contaminate even a fairly new system. If you are undergoing structure renovations, duct cleaning is highly recommended after reconstruction.

5. A new air-conditioning unit is planning to be installed.

If a new system is installed to ductwork filled with dust, dirt or mold, it can affect the efficiency and contaminate the new system. As a licensed air-conditioning contractor since 1992, DuctMasters specializing in installing air-conditioning systems that are designed to be highly efficient and improve indoor air quality by reducing your home’s humidity.

6. The air-conditioning and air duct system have not been inspected by an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Specialist within the past 2 years.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends an inspection of your air-conditioning and duct system at least every 2 years. Our IAQ Specialists often find a wide range of problem s that contribute to indoor air quality issues. Problems include ducts not being properly sealed or are leaking, ducts that are not properly positioned or undersize, and thermostat issues to name a few.

7. The ductwork has not been professional cleaned or decontaminated within the past 3 to 5 years.

While there is no set timeframe for air duct cleaning, we have found that over the course of 3 to 5 years, the system often gets dirty enough to warrant a cleaning. By installing a good pleated air filter (with a MERV of 8+ or FPR of 7+) in your air-conditioning system and having us install our DuctMasters U.V. light system, the system will stay clean in the years after professional air duct cleaning.

If you see any of these signs of an indoor air quality issue, please schedule an appointment online or call us at (855) DUCT-411 (toll-free).

One of our IAQ Specialists will be happy to speak with you about our services.

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