How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be 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 suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections with mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout the house, even when 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 let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is especially dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is 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 or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. The air ducts in the air can cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts and into your home’s vents.

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

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.