How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides 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 particularly dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

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

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts at least once every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get carried 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 home by leaks in ductwork.

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

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when the air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts can create many issues for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.