How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.
Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.
Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.
It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.
Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.
Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact an 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 it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.
Mold around the vents is an indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold problem.
Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you observe decaying wood or sagging metal.
The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not return.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.
A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.
Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.
