How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed 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 increase energy efficiency because they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and break off as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. This is due to air leaks that can prevent 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.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. 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 made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they function. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every couple of years. Taking these steps will keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

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

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can result in more serious illness in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when 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 are a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.