How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several 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. 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’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is definitely an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

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 safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that cause your symptoms.

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

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

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places 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 can remain in your air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Air ducts that are dirty 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. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.