How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust 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 problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-quality 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 can influence the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by insects and other 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.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up within them, and later be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.