How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread 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 promote energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
Check for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.
Another sign 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 certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.
First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.
It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.
Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.
The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.
Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory issues.
Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.
If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.
Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems 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 leaky ductwork.
