How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However, they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they function. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be transported throughout the home through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indication that you should employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

The most common type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every few years. Following these steps will help stop humidity and condensation, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.

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