How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking duct. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid 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 could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house drier.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could 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 are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can be resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

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

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

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

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home 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 a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can 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 shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances and they’re more likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.