How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.
Leaks
Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.
You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.
Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.
Even when the household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.
Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.
High Humidity
In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.
First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.
It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.
Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.
Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can resist pests.
Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.
A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.
Mold
Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.
Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indicator that you must employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually a sign of mold growth. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a major issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.
It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.
Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces, but 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 issues.
The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.
To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could 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 tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.
The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.
A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread when the air flows through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.
If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious ailments.
During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.
Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.