How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet, especially at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. 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 hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep 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 to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home drier.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can be resistant to pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other items that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a major issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea 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 because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. In addition, 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 the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will keep moisture and condensation out which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked the Fridley home on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through and then be recirculated all over the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can transmitted when air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and even lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

During the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in areas that will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.

Explore More

Ductless Air Conditioner Cost

October 31, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

Ductless Air Conditioner Cost A lot of homes do not have ductwork, so a ductless air conditioning system is a great option. They are also more efficient than central systems.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

November 25, 2024 0 Comments 0 tags

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance When it comes to your heating and cooling system, routine maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs or early-than-necessary replacement. Most HVAC companies offer