How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or 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 completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular 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 best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal 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 crushed or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound 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 leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots in the house. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and be resistant to insects.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around the air vents are a good indicator that you must employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

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

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

The best way to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are transmitted when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and can cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these things, and they’re likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in 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 employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.