How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. 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.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see 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.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the house. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

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

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation 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 through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores 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 prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on 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 they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

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

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as increased energy costs 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 apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.