How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

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

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building, even when household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living area. 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 family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house more dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts if there are any issues.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and repel insects.

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

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indication that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is definitely something wrong. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the 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 changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

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

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be transported into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could let these particles pass through and be circulated all over the house.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

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