How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. 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 conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

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

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mould spores, mites 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 pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can resist insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, there is a problem. If there is a musty scent it is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

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

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not recur.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in the Fridley home on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by 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 to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in some cases.

During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. This is the worst time of year for these things, and they’re likely to be settling in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.