How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly 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 different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores can then be transported throughout the home by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is something wrong. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is 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 make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air moves through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re likely to be settling in areas that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.