How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.
You can look for signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.
Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.
Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.
It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.
Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.
Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.
The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you need to engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold spore.
Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and sliding metal.
Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every few years. Taking these steps will keep humidity and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated all over the house.
The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.
If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.
Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things and they’re likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.
Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.