How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises you could have duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

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

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and repel pests.

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

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread when the air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and 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 settle in places that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.