How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. 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 rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the 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 sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial 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 job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and older. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

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 every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

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

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.