How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

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

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. 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. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC 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 serious issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns 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 resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling 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 allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

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

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher 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 a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.