Your heating and air conditioning systems process the air you breathe every day. Over time, dirt, pollution, and illness-causing bacteria and virus particles can accumulate in filters, ducts, and other equipment components.

Since your HVAC system is hidden out of sight, it may get neglected when it comes to cleaning. However, it’s important to realize that the nasty things lurking in your HVAC system can contribute to health problems. That’s just one reason why HVAC system cleaning is so important.

Here is a look at the 5 nasty things that could be lurking in your heating and air conditioning system, and the steps you can take to get a clean HVAC system.

1. Bacteria and viruses

Contaminants that get into your air conditioner can quickly spread in the air throughout the space. When an entire building is served by a common HVAC system and ductwork, this can lead to what’s called Sick Building Syndrome; when your building is sick, then everyone in it could get sick.

Once bacteria or viruses contaminate your AC system, they can quickly spread throughout the building (via your ductwork) along with the cool air. Periodic HVAC system cleaning and maintenance (specifically changing filters, cleaning coils, and cleaning the ductwork) helps to remove contamination sources from your system. 

If the spread of COVID is your big concern at the moment, there are additional air quality solutions that can do even more to keep your space safe.

2. Mold and mildew

Most contaminants are aggravated by humidity, but mold relies on it. If your AC is having trouble removing enough moisture from the air, it creates the perfect conditions for mold. Most types of mold can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly children, the elderly, and asthma sufferers. Some types can even create dangerous toxins. Regular maintenance and HVAC system cleaning will keep your ventilation clean and mold-free.

3. Chemicals and VOCs

There are many things within your average office building that emit chemicals, known as VOCs, that can impact health.

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are gases emitted by a variety of building materials. VOCs include ozone and formaldehyde. While naturally occurring in the upper levels of the atmosphere, ozone is harmful to breathe. Ozone can be emitted by office supplies such as:

• Copiers
• Printers
• Adhesives
• Permanent markers

Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds are emitted by:

• Carpets
• Paint
• Cleaning supplies
• Gasoline
• Pesticides
• Cigarette smoke

Most emitted chemicals are not a cause for concern in low doses, but can become dangerous in high concentrations. Chemicals accumulate in poorly ventilated and sealed-off buildings, causing the concentration in the air to increase.

VOCs can be as much as ten times more concentrated inside than outside, according to the EPA. This is all the more reason to remember that HVAC system cleaning takes care of more than just your AC. It’s vitally important for maintaining good indoor air quality.

Getting HVAC system cleaning could mean the difference between a healthy work environment and a dangerous one. Conditions like poor ventilation and high humidity can worsen the affect of chemicals trapped in the air. Get rid of these chemicals by making sure your HVAC system can properly ventilate the building.

4. Pollution

Pollution can cause air problems indoors. An HVAC design that works well in rural areas can be wrong for urban environments, and even draw pollution in from outside. Pollutants can wind up trapped in air conditioner filters, making HVAC system cleaning an important part of keeping these pollutants out.

Poor ventilation is a major cause of interior pollution. If vents can’t circulate or filter air well, contaminants will build up in the system in high concentrations. Humidity makes pollution linger in the air as well.

5. Dust mites and pet dander

If you’re allergic to dogs or cats, you probably know that an animal doesn’t have to be in the same room to stir up your symptoms. This is because animals tend to shed and leave behind fur and dander. That’s just one example of something you can’t see that could be making your air dirty.

Dust mites are another reason you might need HVAC system cleaning. Dust mites are tiny, usually microscopic insects that feed off of dust and thrive in warm, humid environments. HVAC ductwork can accumulate lots of dust if not properly cleaned. At the same time, parts of an air conditioner are warm and collect moisture. This makes it the perfect habitat for dust mites.

If your space has animals, a clean HVAC system is a must. Make sure to clean or change filters often to help collect pet dander more efficiently. Duct cleaning services can help you avoid getting dust mites. (More on duct cleaning in a minute.)

Physical symptoms of neglected HVAC system cleaning

Not having a clean HVAC system can be harmful to your employees or inhabitants of your building. Here are some “sick building” symptoms the people in an infected building might experience:

• Nasal congestion
• Eye irritation
• Coughing
• Skin irritation and rashes
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness and headaches
• Fatigue
• Worsened asthma symptoms

Building symptoms of neglected HVAC system cleaning

The air quality conditions of a building are directly related to how well treated its HVAC system is. Here are some problems you might notice that’ll signal you to get HVAC system cleaning.

• Musty or chemical odors
• Leaks and water damage
• Stuffy air
• Excess humidity
• Dust coming through the vents
• Poor functioning AC