How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that impact how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and sagging metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

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

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

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up 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 ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.