How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect, especially at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

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

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come 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 in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home 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 are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is an issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe you could notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried 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 pass through and then be recirculated all over the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the worst 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 next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.