Indoor Air Quality Facts & Information

At AirWell, we believe nothing is more important than the air we breathe. Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just affect comfort — it directly impacts your family’s health and safety. From clogged dryer vents and dirty ductwork to neglected chimneys, the risks are real, but the solutions are simple.

• Nearly 15,000 clothes dryer fires occur every year in the U.S., resulting in deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage.
• Lint buildup is the leading cause of dryer fires. Annual dryer vent cleaning greatly reduces this risk and helps your dryer run more efficiently.

• A typical six-room home can generate up to 40 pounds of dust every year. Much of it ends up circulating through your duct system.
• Dust isn’t the only concern. Air ducts often harbor pollen, pet hair, dander, dead insects, rodent feces, and mold spores. These contaminants can worsen allergies, asthma, and respiratory illness.
• Studies show:
  • 50% of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)
  • 1 in 6 allergy sufferers are affected directly by fungi and bacteria in air ducts. (Total Health & Better Health Magazines)
  • Indoor air can be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (EPA)
  • Children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems are especially vulnerable to poor indoor air quality. (Department of Consumer Affairs)

Dirty or damaged chimneys can be just as dangerous as neglected ducts or vents. Creosote buildup, blockages, and structural issues pose serious fire and carbon monoxide hazards.

• The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends annual chimney inspections and sweeping as needed.
• Creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires, which can spread rapidly to the rest of the home.
• Birds’ nests, leaves, or other obstructions can block airflow and push dangerous gases back into your living space.
• Even “unused” chimneys can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks, cracks, and unsafe conditions.

With a CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep on staff, AirWell ensures your chimney is inspected and cleaned to the highest industry standards.

• Dryer vents: Every year
• Air ducts: Every 3–5 years (more often after renovations, construction, or inconsistent filter changes)
• Chimneys: Inspected annually; swept as needed based on use and condition

Think of it this way: If you didn’t clean your kitchen table or floors for 3–5 years, what would they look like? Now imagine what’s inside your ductwork and chimney.

• Your HVAC system recycles air 5–7 times every day. Each cycle can carry mold, dirt, and allergens back into your living spaces. (NADCA)
• Legionnaire’s Disease was traced to contaminated air ducts in 1976, killing 29 people. (American Lung Association)
• Most people spend 60–90% of their time indoors. Clean air systems mean healthier living for your family. (American Lung Association)

Clean ducts, dryer vents, and chimneys aren’t just about comfort — they’re about health, safety, and peace of mind.AirWell is proud to deliver professional cleaning and inspection services across Central New York, keeping homes and businesses healthier and safer every day.