How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost completely rustproof. 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 conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are most common where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky air duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of 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. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is clearly an issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as 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. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.