How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

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

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to remove 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 eradicate once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home 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 cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow within them, and later be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in some cases.

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to 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. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.