How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking air duct. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living spaces.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is a serious problem as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture into homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as possible. This includes reducing the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home drier.

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

Leakage is another issue that can be found when it comes to ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause gaps and cracks. This is prevented by using top-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that impact the way they function. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least time to live and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and other elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by toys, furniture, and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the professional can arrive at work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home and cause allergic reactions among household members.

Mold around the vents is an indication to hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts are damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from recurring. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure 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 mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is an essential part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a perfect breeding ground for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to fight 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 breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and aggravate your allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can be transmitted when air passes through your ducts and the vents in your home.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and, in some instances, more serious illnesses.

Many people, particularly in the spring and early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas which won’t be re-infested until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.

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