How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even if the activities of the household are not affected, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.
It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.
Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-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 can affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.
The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you need to engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.
It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe you could see rotting wood and sagging metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.
The best way to combat these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.
A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air flows through your ducts and into the vents in your home.
If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs 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 use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.
