How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Because 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.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

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

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can develop on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. Air ducts can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts every few years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some cases more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous 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 with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.