How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

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

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

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. 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 issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of 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.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

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

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that impact how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to damage by pests and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations 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 finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are an indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold spore.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

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

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.