How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur 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 leaking air duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

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

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can 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 for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you need to engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

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

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during 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 in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.