How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread 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 house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful 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. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue for older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can 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 environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

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