How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should 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 are likely to be present in the area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn 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 serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must 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. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty odor that is an indication of a mold infestation.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

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 every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the home.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases more serious ailments.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.