How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and split over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky air duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indication that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

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

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every few years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these things, and they’re likely to settle in places that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.