How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the building, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home more dry.

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

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.