How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of 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. Feel along the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds 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 house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific 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 the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals that can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated 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 these particles, helping you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

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

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.