How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency due to their robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another indication of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the building even if household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home drier.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is definitely something wrong. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the main reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can trigger mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread by the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some instances more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.