How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Even if the activities of the household are not affected, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid, hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.
It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.
Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been properly installed.
Air ducts are available in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.
Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the project.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.
The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.
Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they start growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not return.
To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.
The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.
A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.
When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.
Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.