How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection of your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. 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 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 problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water 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 humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to being damaged by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is a problem. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold infestation.

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

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

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 few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

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

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.