How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when the household activities remain the same, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor 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 you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home dry.

It is also essential to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints 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 made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you see rotting wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps can help to stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and can lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.