How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or 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 improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and resist insects.

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

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

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this can affect how quickly the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be damaged or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly can have more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are 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 remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated 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 will remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these types of substances, and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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