How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can split and become loose in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises you could have duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you store 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 risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue for older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a significant issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the issue is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most popular type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can be found on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, and respiratory issues.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy bacteria can grow in them and be spread throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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