How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.
Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if 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 such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including 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 thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.
It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are available in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage caused by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.
Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.
Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly an issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.
To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can trigger mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and then be recirculated all over the house.
The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.
A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.
When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.
Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.
