How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. 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 ought to. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

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

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more prone to being damaged by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue for older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important 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 job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is something wrong. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most popular type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe better.

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

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these things and they’re likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.