How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky air duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you need to employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and be circulated all over the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned 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 problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.