How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most common where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the house. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

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

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. 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 can then be distributed throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

The most common kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the home.

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

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in some cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.