How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to 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 hear these noises you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

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

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling 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 expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can 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 environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is something wrong. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of 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 allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues 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. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including 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. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.