How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then distributed 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 promote energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use 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 dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful 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 should. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

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

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and be resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause 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 assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere where the spores of mold thrive. The spores are then distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant issue. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

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

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold 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 may cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergies triggers. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

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

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.

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