Could ductwork issues cause throat irritation?« Back to Previous Page
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After the heavy rains we had last month, I noticed a lot of water pooling around the base of our air conditioner in the living room. It's been sitting there for days, and now it smells musty. The AC filters are pretty clean, but I'm worried about what’s inside those ducts. My kids have been complaining more than usual about their throats hurting. Could this be a problem? What should I do to check or clean the ductwork?
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Absolutely, dirty ductwork can indeed cause throat irritation. In the UAE, especially during the recent heavy rainfalls, it's quite common for moisture to seep into your HVAC system, leading to damp conditions that foster mold growth and dust accumulation inside the ducts.
In Dubai, where humidity levels are high, this is a major concern as it can lead to respiratory issues among family members. If your kids have been complaining of sore throats, it could be linked to mold spores or irritants in the air circulating through your home. Firstly, do check if there's any visible water damage around your AC unit or within the ducts. Look for signs like musty odors, discolored spots on walls, or damp patches. If you spot anything suspicious, it might be time to call a professional service like ours at 800-MOLDS (or email us at hello@saniservice.com). Professional inspection is crucial as they can use specialized tools to peek inside the ducts and identify any issues that aren't immediately visible. They'll also conduct air quality tests to determine if there are elevated levels of mold, bacteria, or other irritants. If a thorough inspection confirms an issue, the next step would be cleaning the ductwork. This process involves removing all debris and moisture from the system, which can often be done using techniques such as negative pressure vacuuming or flushing with water and disinfectants. It’s important to note that DIY duct cleaning isn't always effective, especially in complex systems, so hiring a professional is highly recommended. Additionally, consider upgrading your HVAC filters to MERV 13 or higher standard ones. These filters are more efficient at capturing smaller particles like mold spores and pollen, thus reducing the likelihood of respiratory issues. Lastly, maintain good indoor air quality by ensuring proper ventilation and keeping humidity levels low – around 40-60% is ideal in Dubai’s climate. Using a dehumidifier can help control moisture buildup, especially after heavy rains. Remember, if you're experiencing persistent symptoms like sore throats or other respiratory issues, it's wise to consult with a healthcare provider as well, just to rule out any underlying conditions that might be exacerbated by your home environment. |
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