How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home more dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

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

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

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

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.