How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.
Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.
Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even when the household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.
It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.
Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts are made of various materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact the way they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the project.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.
The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the 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. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.
Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not return.
The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.
The best way to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.
A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.
When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious ailments.
In the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as 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 employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.