How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect particularly at joints. These sections may loosen and split as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air However, it is recommended to employ an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your attic, basement and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and require to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots in the house. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this may be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also spread toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family members to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

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

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which can result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more susceptible to damage caused by pests and elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a bit more expensive but they last longer and can repel insects.

Airflow may be limited by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can finish the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures combine to cause mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid atmosphere in which mold spores thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often a sign of mold growth. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant problem. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and sliding metal.

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

Symptoms of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly may have more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best way to prevent mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergies triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes and then sprayed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to combat these allergens is with thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and in some cases more serious ailments.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their shoes and clothing. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in areas that aren’t disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas. If they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can be a major issue for homeowners. They can result in 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. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.

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