How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean
Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.
Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage by pests.
Leaks
Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.
You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to see 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 probably exist in that area.
Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.
Even when the household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.
In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.
High Humidity
In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.
First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.
It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.
Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.
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 least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.
Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.
The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.
If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.
Mold
Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be 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 a good indicator that you must employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.
Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.
The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.
The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.
It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.
The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote the growth of mold.
Allergens
Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.
A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.
A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.
When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.
During the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.
Dirty air ducts are a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.
