How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.
Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.
Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain an even temperature.
The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.
It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any problems.
Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
The blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you must employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.
The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.
If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in certain cases, more serious illnesses.
Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.