How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then spread throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly rustproof and durable, promoting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to keep air from leaking. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by performing a visual inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another common sign of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout 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 a consistent temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can distribute dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

It is also essential to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any issues.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect the performance of these ducts. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more prone to being damaged by pests and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and be resistant to pests.

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

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

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the project.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings, cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts can include 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 headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities miserable and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general sense of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a vital part of battling allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

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

A dirty air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be spread when the air flows through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and can cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year to deal with these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. 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 be a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.