How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape 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 become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

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

The ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid 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 various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

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

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you should engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

During the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these things, and they’re likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.