How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
Find signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the building, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. This means reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as 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 are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the least life span and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.
The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold spore.
Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting 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 be found on wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.
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 every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.
The best way to combat these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in some cases.
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 worst time of year for these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.
Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.