How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then dispersed 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 inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.
Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.
Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more 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, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home more dry.
It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to insects.
Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.
A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.
When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.