How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized 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 dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities remain the same, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

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

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue for older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes, 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 allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to block air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.