How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

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

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure 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. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

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

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.