How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute 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.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

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

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, 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 important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed 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 suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is a good indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a major problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate 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 from air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things 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.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, including higher energy bills 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 leaky ductwork.