How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

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 particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the house. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints 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 such as metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is something wrong. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass 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 cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.