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 becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.
It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts come in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.
Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.
Mold
Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you need to employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely an issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.
Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the older. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed 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 way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your 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 spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.
The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.
A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air flows through your ducts and the vents inside your home.
When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.
In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.