How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and separate in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults live in the 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 prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water 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 addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home drier.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in 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 like metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can repel pests.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is an issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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 once every few years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents of your home.

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

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.