How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and mold. These pollutants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can split and become loose over time as a result of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss However, it is recommended to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check the joints and seams 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 it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

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

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

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

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

It is also crucial to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around the air vents are an indicator that you must employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can be found on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The 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 in the Fridley home on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.