How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

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

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks usually occur where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house drier.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to 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 is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is clearly a problem. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through 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 remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things 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 clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances and they’re more likely to settle in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.