How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow 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, reduce the amount of water used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

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

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC 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 clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

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

The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on the air cooling. 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 are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched 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 sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.