How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises you could have duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can 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 serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

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

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to engage an HVAC expert 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 significant issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread when the air passes through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.