How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and split over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. 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 a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is 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. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home dry.

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

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, 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 be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during 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 most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts are a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.