How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular 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 help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaky air duct. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

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 prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly 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 performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove 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 changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.