How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking duct. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

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

It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could 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 like metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can develop on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts once every couple of years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

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. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.