How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and split as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can check for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots within the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at a consistent temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

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

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each one has its own characteristics that impact how well they function. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture and other objects which can impede airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also result in uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents is an indicator that you need to employ an HVAC professional 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 clearly a problem. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

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

The most popular type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the older. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the main reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in places that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from getting through ductwork that has been leaking.

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