How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky air duct. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities remain the same, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to 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 can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

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

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you must employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

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

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.