How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. 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 many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. 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 making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

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

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. 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. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can transmitted when air flows through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

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

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.