How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss, but it’s best to employ 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. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who 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 are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can 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 bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

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

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

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 duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.