The impact of moisture on your air ducts
Moisture should never be present in air ducts because they can be potential breeding grounds for molds. There are instances when moisture enters the duct system because of poor installation or when there is condensation. Condensation can occur if the surface temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of surrounding air. Using Air Duct Cleaning Equipment will not control moisture because leaks have to be repaired or the heating and cooling system should be insulated. If mold growth is visible on the air ducts, it is important to have to be cleaned. If you do not have the necessary Air Duct Cleaning Equipment, there are duct cleaning service providers you can call to do the job but make sure they are responsible and knowledgeable on the job. It is important to determine whether the black substance in your air duct is mold so that the condition causing the mold can be corrected and prevented from recurring.
Are there health risks to dirty air ducts?
It is normal for air ducts to get dirty but they tend to adhere on the surface which means that will not affect indoor air quality. There are other sources of pollution and contaminants in your home particularly if you have pets or you have a family member who is a smoker. Other normal activities like sweeping the floor and vacuuming rags and carpets can cause greater exposure to dust than dirty air ducts. However, air ducts can become home to insects, vermin and molds which requires professional cleaning to prevent health risks to the household. If the insulation on the air ducts gets wet or moldy, it has to be removed, cleaned and replaced.
How to clean air ducts
Cleaning air ducts can be an imposing job and it is best left to professionals who have their Air Duct Cleaning Equipment. A duct cleaning machine usually has a 35-foot vacuum hose with a brush at its end that will be used in sweeping dust and dirt from the insides of the duct. It is important for the duct cleaning service to have an outdoor vented equipment to ensure that whatever debris has been captured will be vented outside the home. If the service provider uses inferior equipment, dust will only be agitated and released inside your home. There is also a possibility that your ductwork may be damaged and eventually result in leaks. The air duct cleaning industry does not have any stringent regulations on licensing requirements which mean that you have responsibility to ensure that service provider will clean your air ducts properly.