How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and split as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the house, even when household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

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

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

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

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. 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 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.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.

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

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.