How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

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

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

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

High Humidity

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

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

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

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. 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 distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be 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 odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not 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 few years. These steps can help to keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense 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 triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.