How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

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

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release 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 is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

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 and cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home drier.

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

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important 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 job.

Mold

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

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee 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 once every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.