How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Even if the activities of the household remain the same, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also spread toxic fumes into the living space. 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 loved ones to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.
High Humidity
In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home dry.
It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. 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 by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts come in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.
Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue for older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Visual signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.
To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.
Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.
The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.
When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases more serious ailments.
During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these types of substances and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.