When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long.
But maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth the effort and if you can afford it. Honestly, you can’t afford not to have your air ducts cleaned. If you’re still doubtful, notice these six reasons to get your office’s air ducts cleaned regularly.
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1. Remove Harmful Mold and Other Contaminants
Mold spores thrive and reproduce in moist environments like areas of your HVAC system where water is condensing and collecting. An ideal location is in your air ducts, where gaps can allow moisture to enter.
Mold is a serious contaminant that can trigger and aggravate numerous symptoms in your employees. For example, they could complain of persistent coughing and sneezing, headaches, trouble breathing, wheezing, sore throat, and respiratory infections.
2. Reduce Allergens
Regardless of where your office is located, common allergens, such as pollen, will find their way to your air ducts. Most offices have nearby lawns or trees that could be pollen sources.
But, even with no vegetation nearby, pollen can travel far on light breezes. It can also be brought into the office space on your workers’ clothing.
No matter how pollen reaches your office, it can cause such irritating problems as itchy, watery eyes and sinus congestion.
3. Improve Workers’ Atmosphere
Dirty air ducts could be making your office a difficult place to succeed. Employees may spend so much time dealing with health issues that they have little time and energy to work.
Employers typically focus on giving workers the right computer, the latest software, and the fastest internet connection, thinking these are the basic tools they need to be successful. But they overlook the literal working atmosphere, the indoor air quality.
4. Reduce Utility Bills
Dirty air ducts drive up your energy costs. How?
Dirt and other contaminants act as obstacles blocking airflow. So, for your HVAC to channel enough air to reach your office, it has to work harder.
For example, you may notice that it now takes longer to cool your working environment. The harder the HVAC works, the more electricity it uses, which increases your monthly expenses.
5. Protect Your HVAC
As mentioned, dirty air ducts force an HVAC system to work more than it should. In other words, dirt can shorten the lifespan of an HVAC.
Replacing a unit could cause a large-scale disruption to your work schedule. Meanwhile, the replacement cost could impact your bottom line. It makes far better sense economically to take care of your equipment by regularly cleaning your air ducts.
6. Reduce Likelihood of Lawsuits
Are you aware that you’re open to lawsuits from your employees over the quality of your office air? The Environmental Protection Agency considers inadequately maintained HVAC systems as a major cause of air pollution, which can lead to sick building syndrome.
Sick building syndrome is when at least 20% of your workforce complains about similar symptoms associated with foul indoor air. If they can prove that they suffer from allergy, respiratory, and other symptoms when in your workspace but feel better when not there, they have the grounds for legal action.