How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and split as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaky air duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. 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 like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

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

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

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a major problem. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and worsen allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

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

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched 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 cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.