How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive 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 an even temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. 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 hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the expert 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 comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in 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 quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and can cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.