How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

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

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

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house more dry.

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

A blocked duct can also lead to uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from humidity or leakage 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, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the task.

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 atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold problem.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home whenever you turn on the air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and can cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the next 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 heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.