How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.
Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.
Even if the activities of the household are not affected, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.
In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect 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 ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.
It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.
Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.
Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well 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 from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.
Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.
Mold
The warm and humid temperatures create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.
The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually a sign of mold growth. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.
Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you notice decaying wood and sagging metal.
The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation to the eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove 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 regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.
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 combat your allergies.
A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.
When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and even lead to more serious illnesses 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. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.
Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.
