How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indicator that you need to engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

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

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

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

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

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as 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 use an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.