How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that can influence how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and be resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems 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 stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.