How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as is possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe you could notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

The most frequent type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found 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 problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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 once every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air flows through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.