How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other debris. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are robust and almost completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are typically found at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. The ducts can split and loosen over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check 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 which are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct could be present in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaking duct. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when the household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. Leaking ductwork, for example could expose your family to harmful fumes if you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect the harmful fumes and warn you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It’s also important to regularly inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed that can lead to gaps and cracks. This can be avoided by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each has distinct characteristics that affect how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it’s a clear indicator that there is a major issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most popular kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between the rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

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

It is advised that homeowners do not attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eliminate when they begin to grow. Besides, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

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

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. Your 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 be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then sprayed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the most effective way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and, in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they are not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is switched on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to stop air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.