How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

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

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their homes drier.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

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

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major problem. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is serious, you could see rotting wooden and falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation of the eyes, allergies and throat, as well as respiratory issues.

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

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. 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 could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them, and later be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned, the allergens will stay in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through leaky ductwork.