How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection of your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. 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 loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

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

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indication that you need to employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things, and they’re likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.