How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive 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 bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of 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 hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more susceptible to damage by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid 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 is leaky.