How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.
Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.
Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In humid, hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.
The first thing to do is 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. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house more dry.
It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.
Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.
Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the job.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation 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 your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and falling metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause 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 may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.
To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.
A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.
If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some instances, more serious illnesses.
Many people, especially during 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. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.