How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.
Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.
Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a structure. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating 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 space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.
It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more prone to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.
Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
A blocked duct can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. 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 must employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.
Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms may be more than in children and the elderly. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented 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 stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air moves through your ducts and the vents in your home.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.
Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.
