How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit 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 use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more than in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. 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 could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.