How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

The most popular type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory problems.

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

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

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

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among 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.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.