How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more prone to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is clearly a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of when they begin 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 take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.