How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
Even when household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also spread toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.
It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to insects.
Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.
Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue for older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to engage an HVAC expert for 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 smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.
Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sagging metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.
Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts can 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. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated all over the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.
A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts and the vents inside your home.
When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to 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 onto their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts 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 issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.
