Air ducts are found in just about every home and business, and are used to filter air through your furnace system. In fact, Energy.gov states the purpose of an air duct is to “[carry] the air from your home's furnace and central air conditioner to each room” by acting as “a branching network of tubes in the walls, floors, and ceilings.”
But like any machine or appliance, air ducts require regular maintenance to work at peak performance. Without regular care, they can become dirty or even break, potentially causing hazardous air quality or other risks. But how do you know if your air ducts are dirty in the first place?
Types of Air Duct Systems
You may be surprised to learn there are three types of air duct systems . Access Doors and Panels indicates the following types of air duct systems include:
- Flexible ductwork. This type of air duct is typically easier and less expensive to install than the other types. It is flexible, with the ability to bend and navigate tight corners and spaces. It is usually tube-shaped and encased in insulation.
- Semi-rigid ductwork. This type of air duct has a zero-leakage ventilation system and is often considered the best type of air duct system. It tends to be versatile in nature and offers installers linings that are anti-bacterial and anti-static.
- Rigid ductwork. This type of air duct tends to be more durable than the other two and comes in various sizes and materials. It is typically rectangular or cylindrical in shape. There are three common types:
- Fiberboard ducts . Made of rough surfaces which can affect efficient airflow, these ducts are made of strands of fiberglass. These fiberglass strands are merged with resin, then encased in a foil laminate sheet for the purpose of moisture protection.
- Sheet metal ducts . Typically made of galvanized steel and aluminum, this type of air duct is generally lightweight and easier to install than other types. Another benefit is its non-porous surface, reducing the chance of mold or other growths.
- Fiberglass lined ducts . Common in commercial spaces and office buildings, this type of duct is similar in nature to sheet metal ducts, but includes a fiberglass interior. It is common in commercial spaces because fiberglass helps lessen the sound of air conditioning units. However, it can be difficult to clean and is susceptible to mold or other growths.
Top Three Signs Your Air Ducts Are Dirty
There are many notable signs that your air ducts are dirty . Three significant signs include the following, according to researchers at the Environmental Protection Agency:
- Rodents or insects are present inside your air ducts.
- Your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, which is being emitted through the registers.
- Visible mold growth is present in your air ducts, or elsewhere in the duct system.
Air Duct Maintenance Tips
- Regularly change filters to avoid clogging.
- Use the most efficient air filter suggested by the producer of your heating and cooling system.
- Confirm no filters are missing and verify that no air can pass through gaps around the filter holder.
- Have cooling coils and drain pans cleaned when your heating or cooling system is being inspected.
- Vacuum and dust your living space regularly.
- Seal off supply and return registers during construction or renovation work.
- Keep an eye out for leaks in the ducts and have them remediated immediately.
- Regularly check insulation near cooling coils for wet spots.
- Verify that condensate pans are properly draining.
- Confirm ducts are properly sealed in all non-air-conditioned spaces.
- Confirm all ducts are sealed at the joints to avoid leakage.
Frequently asked questions regarding air duct cleaning include the following:
- Why should I have my air ducts cleaned?
- It is important to have your air ducts cleaned to help ensure they run efficiently. Research by the EPA suggests that routine air duct cleaning can help improve efficient operations. This can improve the air duct’s “shelf life” and potentially reduce future costs down the road.
- Are there health benefits to air duct cleaning? If so, what are they?
- Research continues regarding the effects of air duct cleaning .
Sources:
https://www.accessdoorsandpanels.com/blog/different-types-of-duct-systems/
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/minimizing-energy-losses-ducts
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned