How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children 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 like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

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

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

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

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

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

The best way to combat these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

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

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.