How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections can loosen and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive but they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that cause your symptoms.

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

The best way to combat these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.

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