How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Even when household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.
It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.
Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and be resistant to insects.
Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
A blocked duct can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.
The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold spore.
It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.
Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.
The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. The air ducts in the air can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. 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 air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can promote mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.
A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.
If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some cases, more serious illnesses.
During the spring and early summer, many people carry 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 following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.