How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

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

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

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections are 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 most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other objects that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indication that you need to employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

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

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

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 can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow inside them and then be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.