How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are not affected, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and repel pests.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly an issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every couple of years. Taking these steps will keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can transmitted when air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.