How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. 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 boost energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

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

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

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

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and resist pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more than in children and the older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can be carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread when air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.