How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, however they are prone to pest damage.

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 where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time because of gravity, age and other factors. Sealing these connections can help keep air from leaking. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

Find signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts can also spread toxic fumes into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor 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 is possible. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the home more dry.

It is also crucial to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other issues. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are made of different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the least life expectancy and are more prone to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and can resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, 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 simple to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro 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 condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a significant problem. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is serious you could notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

It is suggested that homeowners avoid attempting to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason for this. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove 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 ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be transported into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, especially when you already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and even result in more serious illness in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things, and they’re likely to settle in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will use the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.

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