How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized 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, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most common where duct segments join in particular at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.
You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.
Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain an even temperature.
Even if the activities of the household remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.
First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.
Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.
The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you must hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sliding metal.
Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
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. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be 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 clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.
The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can 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 can result in more serious illness in certain cases.
Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.
Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher 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 stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.