How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and separate in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

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

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and 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 the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.