How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

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

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

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed 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 are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the 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 frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when 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 the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst 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 one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.