How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.
Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.
Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even when the household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.
Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home dry.
It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.
Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.
Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
Blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue for older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indication that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.
Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even 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 is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.
To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe better.
A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.
When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up within them, and later be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances, more serious illnesses.
Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts are a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.