Home building supplies and building systems change over time. When builders find problems in old systems and technology, they move to replace them especially when considering the health of the homeowners.
Today, we're going to go over how your old technology could still be in your home and cause more damage to your health than you think.
Toxic Home Building Supplies
Asbestos In Your Home
Air Quality
Ductwork & Air Pollutants
A Solution to Healthy Air
More Savings In Your Pocket
Solution
Initially renowned as cutting-edge developments in home construction and innovation, they were eventually revealed to be one of the primary contributors to household illnesses and distress. Many people became victims of a variety of injuries resulting in countless legal battles, and even loss of life by living with failed solutions.
One such example was the decision to use lead paint inside homes started back in the 50s. This practice occurred for decades until the late seventies when it was finally banned. In southern California, it is now common to provide lead disclosures when buying or selling a home in order to protect future homeowners. Lead dust and cracked/chipped paint are the leading danger to children under six. Causing behavioral problems, seizures, and nausea while others show no symptoms for years.
Formaldehyde is another commonly used chemical in home construction. Formaldehyde is still used today in pressed wood products and insulation. The use of formaldehyde may have decreased significantly after its classification as carcinogenic in 2004, due to the link to cancer. It continues to function effectively as a powerful binding agent, and it typically takes around two years for the air quality in new or renovated homes to reach a normal level.
One final example of dangerous home chemicals is the use of asbestos. Originally viewed as a prominent solution for fire-resistant insulation for homes and other materials until the late 70's. Many of us have heard how dangerous Asbestos is but don't really understand how. Asbestos contains tiny microscopic fibers and if disturbed, they are sent in the air. If inhaled by a home's residents, it can be deadly. Several serious health problems, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, have been directly associated with asbestos cases, leading to the complete prohibition of these products.
The key factor that connects any hazardous chemical or home building supplies to the well-being of yourself and your loved ones is the ease with which they can gain access and inflict harm. One of the biggest access points into the human body is via the air we breathe. Many particles the naked eye can not see are inhaled via your lungs giving chemicals access to your entire system. Spending an extended period in a particular location may result in individuals being unaware of the multitude of potential hazards they are exposed to.
Only when someone begins to have symptoms do they realize the extent of the exposure. You cannot always undo the damage that is done, but you can still prevent further exposure in the future.
One overlooked safety item that could be creating harmful exposures to you and your family is old ductwork. This is true especially if your home was built in the 1970’s. Imagine every time you power on your AC or furnace you're blowing around dangerous chemicals. exposing your loved ones for years.
The ductwork in your home plays a crucial role in circulating air for your heating and cooling requirements. Any issues in the duct's path can cause debris buildup and even the release of dangerous chemicals. You may ask yourself, I never go into the attic. How could I compromise the air quality in the home or worse, how do I know if there's a problem?
As ductwork gets older, it can accumulate dirt and foster mold, dust, and other harmful particles that could spread throughout the household through the heating and cooling system. This can lead to respiratory issues and potential health problems. Old materials could have been used to tape together your ducts, which could contain asbestos.
In the picture below, you can see how the homeowner had no idea that their ductwork was stepped on, which could potentially expose their family to unnecessary risks.
In addition to the first two safety risks, there is yet another concern that poses a significant danger: the risk of fire.
Ductwork is often made of metal, and as it ages, it can become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. A crack in your ductwork can create fire hazards if any cracked material comes in contact with exposed debris.
In addition to safety issues, damaged and old ductwork can also make your heating and cooling system work harder to keep a comfortable temperature in your house. Imagine having two straws, one brand new and the other chewed up or bent several times. It's obvious the new straw is easier to use and illustrates how airflow can move without any intrusions. The harder your system has to work to move air, the more it costs to heat/cool your home.
When you have your furnace and air conditioner serviced on a regular basis, it helps to
Keep your unit operating at peak performance
Identify potential problems before they cause a unit to break down.
Always save more money in the long run.
Keep Your Unit functioning like new.
While most people would agree you shouldn't wait for your car to break down on the freeway to get an oil change. Many people treat their furnaces and air conditioners similarly and end up paying for costly repairs that could have been completely avoided.
At HEX HVAC, we highly recommend having a skilled technician inspect and service your AC/Furnace annually to prevent unexpected malfunctions and ensure optimal performance when you rely on your system the most.
Also, ask how our techs can improve your air quality and make your home safe for your loved ones. Our technicians will assess the air quality in your home and provide recommendations for maximizing safety.
Please give us a call @ 562-568-8400 or visit HexHvac.com to schedule your tune-up or inspection today. Thanks for reading this very important article.
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HexHVAC was founded on the simple principle of delivering excellent service, great quality and fair pricing. With the numerous changes in Sol Cal one thing we love to have is our home at our perfect comfortable temperature, help the environment, reduce cost & save money. Well, now it's possible with our team of certified tech's who come to your house prepared to offer you the best options that fit your needs.
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