How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks usually occur 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. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ 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 the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous fumes and warn 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 because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

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

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can repel pests.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly something wrong. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are 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 home through shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and can cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.