How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. 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 hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue for older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts 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 large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores 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 remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the 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 on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on the air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.