How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by performing an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

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

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example can expose your family members to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

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

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold and other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of improperly installed joints or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and can resist insects.

Airflow may be limited by objects like furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be wet or slimy then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could observe decaying wood or falling metal.

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. Besides, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not recur.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts once every couple of years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

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

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.