How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home drier.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

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

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

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

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great 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 harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances more serious ailments.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in the air vents 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 will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.