How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

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

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children live 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 ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

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

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to 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 suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

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

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more than in children and the elderly. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when air flows through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again 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.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.