In some areas of Florida the heater may only be used once or twice a year. So, what's that awful smell when the heater finally does get switched on? That depends. For most of the year, the air is being cooled in a Florida home. Contaminants like dust and pet dander build up in the HVAC system and air ducts. Generally, the burning odor is from the dust burning off. However, a lingering musty odor (after a few days of heat), might indicate the presence of mold. Symptoms of mold

In most cases when there is an airborne pathogen outbreak in a hospital, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommend patients be placed in a room with isolated HVAC systems and exhausts. Although most of us can't have an isolated system in our home, we can help prevent the spread of airborne pathogens- by having our air ducts and air handling units cleaned. When a person is sick with the flu, they may cough or breathe infection into the air. The air passes thr