How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice an unpleasant 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 cheap. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky air duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

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

It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce 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 allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when air flows through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems 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 with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.