How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may loosen and split over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their 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 addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could see rotting wooden and falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger 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. Symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they start growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the home.

The best way to combat these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts by using 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.

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