How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained 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.

Gaps in ductwork can also distribute dust throughout the building even when the household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

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

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, as this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

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

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

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the elderly. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t return.

To avoid mold growth in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the home.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe better.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

During the spring and early summer months, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use an duct sealant that is pressurized to block air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.