How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may loosen and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.
Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and 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 will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.
It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.
Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.
Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and energy efficiency of your system.
Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.
The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.
The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could let these particles pass through and be circulated all over the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.
A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can transmitted when air moves through your ducts and the vents in your home.
When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.
Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to settle in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.