How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine 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 sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the 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 like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home drier.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and other 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. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven heating and cooling as well as an issue for older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings, the cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and breath shortness. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

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

The best way to fight these allergens is with an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and even result in more serious illness in certain instances.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major problem for homeowners. They can result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.

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