How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even if household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

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 are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

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

It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the expert can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get transported throughout the home by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and could lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things, and they’re likely to settle in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.