How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed or kinked. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

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

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

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and can resist insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is definitely a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may see rotting wooden and falling metal.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.