How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then circulated 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 home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase 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 prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. 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 look for signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky air duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a major issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you must hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is definitely a problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

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

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure 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 once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated all over the house.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating 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 as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.