How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or 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 are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. 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 most common when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor 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. This means reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indication that you need to engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated 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 return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

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

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

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can transmitted when air flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some instances more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year for these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.