How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and split over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the 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 such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more prone to damage caused by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

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

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.