How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, which can lower the energy efficiency of homes. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that 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 noises you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the home. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even if household activities aren’t changing. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous if you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as is possible. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed which can cause gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been properly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the professional can finish the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you should employ an HVAC expert for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could let these particles pass through and then be recirculated all over the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.

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