How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This indicates the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

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

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork for instance, can expose your family to fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each has distinct characteristics that impact the way they function. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue for older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which mold spores thrive. The spores then get transported throughout the home by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms for household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious problem. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold problem in your air ducts include tears or tears in the insulation, rips on the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

The symptoms of mold that can be found in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and older. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and ensure that it does not return.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every few years. These steps will help stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can get carried into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

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

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause many issues for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.

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