How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts 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 can separate 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 is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find 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. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate 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.

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

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home more dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is definitely something wrong. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. 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. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially during 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. 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 won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.