How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.
Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.
Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home dry.
It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and repel insects.
Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the job.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.
The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you should engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
Symptoms of mold in air ducts include coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.
To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts at least once every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.
The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.
When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain cases.
During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.
