How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split over time due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into 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 loved ones to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

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

It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to damage 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 airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you need to employ an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.