How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises you could have leaks in the ducts.

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

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and sliding metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts include coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the things that cause 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 clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in some cases.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these types of substances and they’re more likely to settle in places where they will not be 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.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.