How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities aren’t changing. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter 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 is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and repel pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are suffering from humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact 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 comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you should engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

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

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. 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 make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these kinds of things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.