How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed 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 reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

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

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects 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 affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most common kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills 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 employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.