How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and separate as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking duct. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also spread 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 your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children in your 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 humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is something wrong. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Air ducts can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

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

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct 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 to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.