How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, 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 can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as possible. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

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

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

The most frequent kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently 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 make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat 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 typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in certain cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.