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 recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky duct. Since air leaks rob 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.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

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

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are a good indicator that you must employ an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

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

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory issues.

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be 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 by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.