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 pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause 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 particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

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

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

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

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

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

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you must 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 definitely an issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.