How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along 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, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more vulnerable to damage by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can develop on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, and respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts once every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.