How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.
Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
The ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house drier.
It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
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 cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using top-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.
Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.
Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation 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 home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.
The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation, allergies to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory problems.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Taking these steps will keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense 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 things that trigger your symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.
A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.
If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious ailments.
Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and 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 prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.