How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is 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 decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect 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. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. 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 are available in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more prone to damage caused by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture and other objects, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. 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 serious issue. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop 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 prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, particularly in 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 to deal with these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.