How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a major issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home dry.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they can become blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue for older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they have a problem 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, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents is an indicator that you should hire an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could see rotting wooden and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on wood and drywall surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best method 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. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to be settling in areas where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.