How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

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 to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from 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 important that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

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 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 remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house 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 more easily.

A clogged air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.