How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking duct. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, 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 space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you see rotting wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of 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’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.