How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and break off over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain the same temperature.
In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to 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 is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.
It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.
Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can repel pests.
Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the job.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.
The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is something wrong. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.
The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.
Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated all over the house.
The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.
A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.
When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.
Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.
Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.