How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and separate as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

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

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which 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 may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and can lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.