How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could see rotting wooden and falling metal.

The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to prevent 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 keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.