How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of 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 distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. 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 like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

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

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

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

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills 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. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.