How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may split and loosen over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. 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 a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

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

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and ensure 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. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.