How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

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

Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the home. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as 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 if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

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

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can 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 sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts and the vents in your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.