How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and split in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.
Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Even when household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house drier.
It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.
Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more prone to being damaged by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can resist pests.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue 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 expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the job.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.
The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is an issue. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.
Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and falling metal.
Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory problems.
The signs of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more than in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and be circulated throughout the home.
The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted when air flows through your ducts and the vents of your home.
If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious illnesses.
Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.
Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.
