Without even knowing it, our air duct systems could be contaminated with particulates that can be harmful to us and our families’ health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels.

Household dust can contain mites, mold, mildew, pollen and animal dander—these are just a few of the things that could be inside air ducts and circulating throughout our homes and air every day. Contaminants, such as mold, mildew, bacteria, dust, fungus and germs, build-up in heating and cooling systems over time.

Air ducts can be ideal breeding grounds for contaminants. They couldn’t ask for a darker, damper place to grow. Whenever the heat or air conditioner is on, these contaminants are blown into the air in the home along with dirt and dust. Symptoms of indoor air pollution include eye irritation, sinus congestion, headache, scratchy throat, fatigue, tightness in chest, wheezing, hypersensitivity and cough.