How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the home. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust 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 loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow 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 decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indication that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious problem. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe you could notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.