How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

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

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

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

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage caused by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold 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 distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

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

The most common kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

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

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.