How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.
Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Even if the activities of the household remain the same, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more prone to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.
Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the task.
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 in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.
Visual signs of mold around air vents is an indication that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold spore.
Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
The most common kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in 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 may cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try 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 begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could let these particles pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home whenever you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.
In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.
Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.