How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.
Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.
Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.
High Humidity
In humid and hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease 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 to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home drier.
It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.
Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.
Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can resist pests.
Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an 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, as this will impact how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you must engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.
Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.
It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
The best way 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. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.
The best method to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.
A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and into the vents in your home.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.
Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.