How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.
Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.
Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can be resistant to insects.
Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling 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 expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the task.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is definitely something wrong. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.
The most popular type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more than in children and the older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.
The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and be circulated all over the house.
The best method to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.
A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.
When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.
In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.
