How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

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

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks rob 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 keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could 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 hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home drier.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to 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 by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more prone to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts 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. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the home.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.