How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and split over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family members to fumes when 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 warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. 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 home more dry.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can repel pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is definitely a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. 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 prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain cases.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle into 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 turned on.

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