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 getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

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

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

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

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. 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 available in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture 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 mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indication that you must hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory issues.

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

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, 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 the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

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 better.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.