How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

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

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however 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 but they last longer and be resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in 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 professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best method 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. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the home.

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

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.