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 you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join in particular at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. This means reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts if there are any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air 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. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.