How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen 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 deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Even if the activities of the household remain the same, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and keep ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be prevented by using top-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more susceptible to damage by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Another problem with ducts is that they can become blocked by toys, furniture and other objects, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

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 within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home and cause allergic reactions 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 can be a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more than in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

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

Allergens

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

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

The best method to fight these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious illnesses.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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