How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell 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 affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water 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 should also use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more prone to being damaged by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you should engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to 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 help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.