How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the 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. Check for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to 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, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. 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 loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor 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 limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue for older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold spore.

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

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and be circulated all over the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

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