How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

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

Even when household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is 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 utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the expert can complete the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a major problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove 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’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.