How Broken Air Ducts Can Trigger Allergies and Respiratory Issues

What’s Hiding in Your Ductwork?

Your air ducts might be out of sight, but they should not be out of mind. Over time, air ducts can crack, separate at the joints, or develop holes. These broken sections become entry points for all kinds of uninvited guests. Think dust, insulation fibers, mold spores, pet hair, pest droppings, and even pollen from outside.

Now, imagine all that swirling through your vents every time you turn on the heat or AC. If you or anyone in your household has asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions, these issues can seriously affect your health and quality of life. It's time to investigate if you notice a spike in sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and other respiratory symptoms.

Broken Ducts and Your HVAC System

Aside from affecting your health, leaky ducts can also take a toll on your entire HVAC system. When heated or cooled air escapes before it reaches the vents, your system has to work harder to get to the temperature on the thermostat setting. That means more wear and tear on your equipment, higher utility bills, and a shorter lifespan for your furnace or air conditioner.

If your system is constantly cycling on and off - or just not keeping up the way it used to - then it may be time for routine maintenance or even full heating repair service. But here’s the thing: sometimes, the problem isn’t with the heater at all. It could be those sneaky ducts undermining your system’s performance.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is that most duct issues can be fixed relatively quickly. Our HVAC technicians at Purified Air can inspect your ductwork with specialized equipment, identify where the cracks or leaks are, and seal or replace damaged sections. They’ll also make sure your ducts are properly insulated and free from blockages.