How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

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

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

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

Even when household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example 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 these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove 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. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.