How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

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 example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of 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.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in 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 distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is an issue. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

The best way to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.