How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the home. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. 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 the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed 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 using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indication that you need to engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly something wrong. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. 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 to clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

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

When ducts are filthy, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some instances, more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.