How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you must hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

Mold in air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen 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 within them, and later be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.