How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints 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 made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more prone to being damaged by insects and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indicator that you need to engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is a problem. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could notice decaying wood and falling metal.

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

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

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts every few years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your 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 your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated all over the house.

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

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in certain cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create many 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 with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.