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Writer's pictureAdam Clark

3 Causes Of Contaminates That Live In Your HVAC Duct Work.

The air conditioner and furnace are essential household appliances that keep you and your family comfortable while you’re at home. These machines work hard to remove moisture from the environment so that it can be delivered to your home in a condensed form. Without proper ventilation, these appliances could cause moisture build-up in the HVAC Duct Work. This can result in pretty bad smells, and mold growth, and even indicate the presence of a health problem such as carbon monoxide poisoning! There are several common contaminants found in an HVAC system that could be compromising the efficiency of your equipment or cause other problems:


3 Causes Of Contaminates That Live In Your HVAC Duct Work

The presence of moisture in the system can cause mold and bacteria growth.

Mold and bacteria grow very well in warm, moist environments. If you have an HVAC system, it’s important to keep the system airtight and prevent moisture from getting into the system. An air leak is a common source of moisture in your home. Over time, water can build up in the pipe systems, radiators, and/or water tanks. If you notice watery spots in your house, you may have an air leak. In some cases, the moisture levels in your home can be reduced by installing a dehumidifier, but this should be done only if you’re experiencing moisture problems.


HVAC equipment is prone to clogging, which leads to reduced efficiency

There are a few common causes of reduced efficiency in an HVAC system: Clogged filter - A clogged filter can reduce efficiency by as much as 30%. Choked venturi - A venturi that’s getting too much airflow can cause reduced efficiency because it’s not allowing as much water from the system to escape. HVAC motor/deck/blades - It’s often hard to tell the exact cause of reduced efficiency. It could be a combination of factors.


Nutrients from leaf raking and landscaping can enter the system

Leaf litter, tree root suckers, and other plant materials can get stuck in your HVAC system. You may need to clean your system more often as these materials build up and block the airflow. This can also happen if your HVAC system is not designed to handle the weight of these materials. Active-shade devices are effective at reducing leaf litter build-up, but they should be used when leaves are still on the tree and not in the wind. Where possible, try to keep leaves off the roof and bushes cut back to the ground.


Dehumidification systems are not operating efficiently

Some of the most common causes of reduced efficiency in a HA/C are: Programmed HRD – Programmed or unprogrammed Hrdd can lead to reduced efficiency because it’s unbalanced. Ducts too small for the amount of airflow – A closed system will always be less efficient than one that has more airflow. Ducts too long for the amount of airflow – In a closed system, more air has to be taken in than is wanted to be released out. This can reduce efficiency by up to 15%. Too much airflow through the vents – If you have an inefficient air-conditioning system, vents need to be opened wider to get the same amount of airflow.


Conclusion

The presence of moisture in the system can cause various problems. If the moisture is not removed, it can cause build-up in the equipment, the air conditioning unit in the home, and in the air that passes through the equipment. This could mean a loss of efficiency in your equipment, a bad smell in your house, and even indicate the presence of a health problem such as carbon monoxide poisoning! The best way to keep these pesky contaminants out of your HVAC system is to keep the system airtight. This is best done by using proper equipment, such as an airtight, non-conformal, weather-stripping, or weather-blocking air conditioner cover. These can help prevent moisture from getting into the system.


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