How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. Because 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 if the activities of the household are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

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

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as 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: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a significant issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and falling metal.

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

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

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

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

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as 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 employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.