How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease 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, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities aren’t changing. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

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

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to damage by insects and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and repel pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation, allergies to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory problems.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated all over the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted when air moves through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into 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 could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.