How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could 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 issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is 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 consumption.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears wet 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 detected by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is 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 walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every few years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to combat these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.