How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. 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 are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may loosen and split over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities remain the same, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house drier.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe you could see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these kinds of things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause 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 stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.