How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might 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 cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means reducing 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 help make the home more dry.

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. 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 are available in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is definitely something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious ailments.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.