How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a structure. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

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

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints 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 are made of different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. 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.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent 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 can trigger allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and older. The air ducts in the air can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

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 few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin 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 fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

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

The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air moves through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some instances more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as 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 an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.