How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. 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 is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they function. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you need to employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

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

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, 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 in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

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 breathe better and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

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

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 clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.