How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.

It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

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 they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is definitely a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from 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 few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct may 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 moves through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.