How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, 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 due to their durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect in particular at joints. The ducts can split and loosen in time because of gravity, age and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to employ an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to see if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaky duct. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous for elderly or young children who live in the 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 humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home drier.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they function. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to damage caused by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

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

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling 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 as well as in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also cause nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and prevent it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are all typical allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

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

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can spread when air moves through your ducts, and then into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in some cases more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these types of substances and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. 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 can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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