How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

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

Even if the activities of the household are not affected, gaps in ductwork can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide 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 also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. 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 places where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.