How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house drier.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to combat these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.