How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must 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 can hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the home. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can repel pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you should engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

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

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious ailments.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on 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 areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.