How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it’s best to hire 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. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

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

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and be resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious it could be that you notice decaying wood and the metal is sagging.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is typically found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory issues.

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

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these types of substances and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including higher 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 employ a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.