How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit 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 decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. 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 area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children 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 humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage caused by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, as this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

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

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

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

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

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts at least once every few years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to leaks in the ductwork.

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

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re more 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 can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.