How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you must engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious ailments.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these types of substances and they’re more likely to be settling in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.