How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.
Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.
Even if the activities of the household are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.
Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork 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 bathing, cooking and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.
It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.
Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.
Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.
The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.
To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of battling allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.
Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be transported into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and be circulated all over the house.
The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.
A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.
When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.
In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the worst time of year for these types of substances and they’re more likely to be settling in areas that aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.