How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

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

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is definitely an issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying 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 and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are 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 lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.