How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the house. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home dry.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

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

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

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most common 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 the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory problems.

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

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is 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 triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated all over the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

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

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including 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. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.