How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within 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 maintain a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

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 leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to 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 problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that 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 addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more susceptible to damage caused by insects and other 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 the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method 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. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

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

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.