How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained 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.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the 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 energy efficiency of your system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity 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 will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to avoid 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 keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.