How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores can then be transported throughout the home through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold spore.

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

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

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

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including higher 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 use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.