How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. 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.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unsuspecting 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 warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they function. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage caused by insects and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and resist pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is a problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious ailments.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to 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 use an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.