How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

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

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and be resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is something wrong. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioner. This can cause respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.