How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.

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

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. 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 transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is a problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying 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 develop in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get transported into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some instances more serious ailments.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.