How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

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

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. 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 fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is an essential part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated all over the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and 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 for these things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.