How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.
Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Even if the activities of the household are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.
First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home dry.
It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.
Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are 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 however they last longer and repel pests.
Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indication 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, there is a problem. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold infestation.
Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may notice decaying wood and falling metal.
The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.
Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the older. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through and then be recirculated throughout the home.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and ward off your allergies.
A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.
When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious illnesses.
Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.