How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can 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 help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.
Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking duct. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. 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 and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.
First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.
It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.
Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and energy efficiency of your system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold spore.
Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and falling metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory issues.
The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.
Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher 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 employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.