How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However, they are susceptible 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 typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a major issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork 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 cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts if there are any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

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

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.