How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections can loosen and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur 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 are another indication of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks deprive 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.

Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

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

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more prone to being damaged by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and can repel insects.

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 constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is an issue. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

The most popular type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can develop on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation, allergies to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more than in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked the Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your 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 method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re likely to settle in areas where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.