How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes when 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 the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity 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 lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. 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 home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents is an indication that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is clearly an issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can develop on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more than in children and the elderly. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

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 every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

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

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.