How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky air duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house even if household activities aren’t changing. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home dry.

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

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you need to engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts in the air can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these types of substances and they’re more 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 cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.