How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. 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.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

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

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

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

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be transmitted when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, 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. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

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. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.