How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

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

Sheet metal ducts are rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the energy efficiency of a home. Leaks are most prevalent where duct segments join particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and split over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Look for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is 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 humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem in ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the shortest lifespan 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 furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is a problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It can be found on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory issues.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and the elderly may suffer more severe symptoms. Air ducts can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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 few years. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

The best way to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy costs, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.