How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. 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 are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and falling metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.