How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad 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 squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking air duct. Because air leaks deprive 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 remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous 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 environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house drier.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is a problem. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold spore.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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 couple of years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.