How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage caused by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a major issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could see rotting wood and sagging metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

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

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

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

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts 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 using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.