How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, 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 an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most common where duct segments join in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

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

Even if the activities of the household are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens 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 members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

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

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more susceptible to damage by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory problems.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

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

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.