How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other waste. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace when duct segments connect particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged, 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 spreading dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for instance could expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should utilize a dehumidifier in order to make their home dryer.

It is also important to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold and other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of issues.

Another issue that is common to ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the way they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and 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. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

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

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make recommendations for any 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 also the total cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores can then be transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area looks slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major issue. If there is a musty smell, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent 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 of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

The signs of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more than in children and the elderly. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

It is recommended homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they’ve begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will stop moisture and condensation, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into your home’s vents.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on the air cooling. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

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

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.