Can old ductwork make you sick?

Author: Shanelle Mueller  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Indeed, dirty air ducts can make you sick. When your HVAC system blows air through dirty ducts, the particulates and allergens that have built up over time are dispersed into your rooms.

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

OLD HOME, OLD DUCTS

Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years, and starts to deteriorate around year 15. If your ductwork is more than 15 years old, you may need to have the ductwork inspected to see if it is time to replace it. If it is older than 25 years, you almost certainly need to replace the ductwork.

What are the symptoms of mold in the air ducts?

Symptoms of Mold in Your Air Ducts
  • Dank odor when the HVAC system is on.
  • Presence of visible mold on the air vents and grilles.
  • Irritation of the respiratory system such as the lungs, nose, and throat.
  • Sneezing and watery eyes.
  • Fever, insomnia, nausea, and headache.

What happens if air ducts are not cleaned?

Clogged air ducts can spread dirt, allergens, pet dander, and debris particles throughout your home, aggravating your allergies and lungs. This irritation can cause increased sneezing, coughing, watering eyes, and even increased asthma symptoms.

How do you know if your air ducts are making you sick?

If your family is getting sick more than normal, experiencing coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, and low-grade fevers, they may have upper respiratory infections as a result of dirty air ducts.

Can dirty air ducts make you sick?

How do I know if my air ducts need to be replaced?

Signs That You Need Air Duct Replacement
  1. Noisy HVAC Operation. ...
  2. High Energy Bills. ...
  3. Uneven Heating or Cooling. ...
  4. Having A Dusty Home. ...
  5. Smelling Mold and Mildew in Your House. ...
  6. Having A Problem with Pests. ...
  7. Having Respiratory Problems. ...
  8. Seeing Debris Around The Vents.

How do I know if the air in my house is making me sick?

Signs of poor indoor air quality may include excessive amounts of dust or increased difficulty breathing in your home. People with allergies or other breathing problems will often be some of the first to experience the effects of poor indoor air quality. Sometimes you might even smell the problem before you can see it.

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be cleaned?

5 Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
  1. Mold. While we all know how dust can negatively affect our health, mold is a whole different ballgame! ...
  2. Dust. ...
  3. Ducts are Infested with Rodents or Insects. ...
  4. Your Home was Just Built or has Undergone a Major Renovation. ...
  5. Rising Energy Costs.

How much does it cost to clean your air ducts?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average cost for properly cleaning an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000.

What are the symptoms of dirty air?

Breathing polluted air over time can cause symptoms such as headaches, a sore throat, sneezing, and congestion. Be aware that these symptoms could be a sign of dirty indoor air. If you or a family member is experiencing these symptoms, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your home's air quality.

How much does it cost to remove mold from air ducts?

Removing mold infestation from air ducts requires the use of professional techniques and tools. The project may cost somewhere between $550 to $2,200, as the cleaners have to be thorough to ensure that no spores are left behind.

What are symptoms of black mold exposure?

The most common symptoms of black mold exposure include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Coughing.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Red eyes.

Can mold in HVAC make you sick?

Mould can be a cause for concern anywhere in your home, but it's especially worrying when it's being spread around the room by your air conditioner. Mould growing in your air conditioner can have a wide range of effects, ranging from mild symptoms to serious illness.

How expensive is it to replace ductwork?

Duct replacement costs typically range from around $20–$60 per linear foot, based on our team's market research. For example, if your home has 100 feet of ductwork, a complete replacement can cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork?

Your homeowner's insurance won't cover cleaning, repairing or replacing your ductwork. What does a home warranty cover when it comes to AC units and ductwork?

Should I remove old ductwork?

You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

How much does Stanley Steemer duct cleaning cost?

The offer price is most likely per vent pricing and does not factor in the cost of the entire cleaning. While it may seem like a money-saving deal, the final price tag will probably be closer to that $450-$1000 range.

Can I clean my air ducts myself?

Use a brush to loosen any buildup of dust in the ductwork. Lift register and insert vacuum hose as far into the piping as it can go. Turn the vacuum on to capture as much dust as possible that the fan is pushing through the ductwork.

Is air duct cleaning really worth the money?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air duct?

12 Signs Your Air Duct Needs Cleaning
  • Dusty Grills. The "grill" is your window into an air duct from the wall. ...
  • Mold. Mold or mildew is a sure sign that it is time for an AC cleaning. ...
  • Allergies Are Worse Than Usual. ...
  • High Energy Bill. ...
  • Poor Respiratory Health. ...
  • Poor Air Flow. ...
  • Insect Infestation. ...
  • 8. Rat Infestation.

Is Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning worth it?

Clean ducts ensure smoother airflow, reducing energy costs. Extended System Life: Regular cleaning minimizes wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially saving you substantial money on future repairs or the need for early replacement.

What happens if you don't get your ducts cleaned?

Consider the influence of unclean ducts on the HVAC system's efficiency and health. A more significant amount of pollutants jeopardizes the air quality and impacts the performance of your HVAC systems. In addition, not having ducts cleaned leads to the unit's shorter lifespan.

What are the symptoms of air quality sickness?

Symptoms may include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath. At greatest risk from particle pollution are people with heart or lung disease, older adults (possibly because they may have undiagnosed heart or lung disease), and children.

What are the symptoms of sick house syndrome?

Indicators of SBS include:

Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort, e.g., headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

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