How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to 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 ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

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

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is a problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the elderly. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.