How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when the household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by 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. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more vulnerable to being damaged by insects and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes 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 is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this will affect the speed with which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

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 moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is something wrong. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could notice decaying wood and falling metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent 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. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may let these particles pass through and then be recirculated throughout the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is 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 cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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