How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

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

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to limit water use 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 homes drier.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

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

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is a problem. 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 include damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to prevent 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 keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the things that trigger 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 the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.

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

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious ailments.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.