How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to pest damage.
Leaks
Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.
Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.
Even if the activities of the household remain the same, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep 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 is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.
Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are made of various materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.
Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.
Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can develop on the wood and drywall surfaces and 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.
Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.
It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.
To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.
A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.
If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.
Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.
Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.