How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most common where duct segments join in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and separate over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will assist in preventing the loss of air however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can look for signs of duct leaks by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaking air duct. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It is also important to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage by insects and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects that block airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, as this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It can grow on wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and to clean the ducts 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 unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts can be 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 footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe better.

A clogged air duct may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when the air moves through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places which won’t be re-infested until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.