How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect these dangerous fumes and warn 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 problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive moisture into homes, which can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home dry.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

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

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house which causes allergic reactions in household members.

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

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could see rotting wooden and falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts include wheezing, coughing, and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents inside your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

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 be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.