How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and separate as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.
Find indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.
Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.
It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle 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 be resistant to insects.
Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the job.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indication that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a significant issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may see rotting wooden and falling metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to 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 the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.
Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.
The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and into the vents in your home.
If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.
Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.