The Hidden Connection Between Dusty Furniture and Leaky Ducts
Do you feel like a maid? That is to say, are you spending an inordinate amount of time wiping debris off your furniture? There are a bunch of reasons your home might be particularly dusty, which include dirty upholstery and curtains, dirty rugs and carpeting, and unbathed pets. (Household pets are a major source of lint, and while they might not appreciate a bath, you will.)
However, another major cause of grime is poor airflow. This can be caused by a system design flaw, but far more commonly, by accumulated dust and leaky ducts.
Why Do Ducts Leak?
In some cases, compromised HVAC pipes are caused by poor installation of the original ductwork. This is more likely with older homes that have been retrofitted with air conditioning that was not in the original design. Then again, it can happen in new builds. Improper maintenance of the HVAC system can also cause damage.
HVAC pipes also show wear over time, with the material deteriorating, so it can just be the age of your system. Pests can cause damage to your system by chewing on or even nesting in pipes. In some cases, you may need to talk to a pest control specialist about keeping pests, particularly rodents, out of your ductwork.
How Leaky Ducts Create Dust
Some dirt in your home is inevitable. It gets tracked in from outside by people and pets, it blows in when you open a window to let in some air, and it drifts in from the world, especially if construction is going on nearby.
Leaky ducts, however, create even more dirt. The ultimate culprit is your attic and crawlspace. These spaces are partially open to the outside and are seldom or never cleaned. When your ductwork leaks, your a/c system pulls in dust from these spaces and distributes it into your home.
Dust can also settle into the ductwork itself when the system is quiet, and then blow into your home later. An increase in dust is a seldom-recognized sign that you might need to get your ventilation pipes looked at. This is especially the case if you change your filters and the dust problem continues.
Other Signs Your Ducts Are Leaking
If you have excessive dust, look for other signs of duct problems. These include:
- An unexplained increase in utility bills or fuel use.
- Inconsistent temperatures and hot spots.
- A hissing sound when your HVAC system is on.
You may be able to see the damage if you look in your attic or crawlspace, but at other times, it is more subtle. In Florida’s heat and humidity, it is particularly important to have your HVAC system working properly.
How to Fix Your Ventilation Pipes and Settle the Dust
It is possible to fix leaky ducts yourself if you have the time and are particularly handy. However, most people are better served by calling in a professional. Here is how the process works:
Step 1: Inspection and Recommendation
The process starts with an inspection of your ventilation pipes and of your system in general. We may, in some cases, recommend upgrading to a higher-quality air filter. HEPA filters, if your system supports them, reduce dust a lot and can even block germs.
Step 2: Sealing
The technician will seal your ducts. We use AEROSEAL, which identifies the gaps and openings and then fills them with a non-toxic duct sealant. It’s a material also used in chewing gum and baby pacifiers.
This is much faster and less intrusive than older techniques involving crawling around your attic and crawlspace with tape. It takes a few hours, and our experienced technicians will answer all of your questions.
Step 3: Cleaning
We also typically recommend cleaning your drafty vents. If you have significant damage, we may need to do repairs, rather than just sealing your HVAC pipes. Any damage visible from just looking into the crawlspace is likely to require a more extensive repair.
If you suspect you have leaky ducts, contact Mid-Fla Heating & Air today to schedule an inspection and find out if your ducts need the AEROSEAL treatment.
