How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen 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 indication of a leaky air duct. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the lowest life expectancy and are more prone to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is something wrong. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on drywall and wood surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of combatting allergies, and the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up within them, and later be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next 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 turned on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.