How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.
Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.
Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
The first thing to do is 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 even decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.
It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.
The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold spore.
Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.
Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.
To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and be circulated throughout the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread when the air moves through your ducts and into the vents of your home.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in some cases.
Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.