How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the house. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of 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. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home drier.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more prone to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

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 a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indication that you should engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty smell it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe you could observe decaying wood or sagging metal.

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can develop on wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they start growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to sneak through and then be recirculated all over the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some instances, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer months, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen, and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.