How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. 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 durable and nearly completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections with metal tape or mastic will aid in preventing air loss however, it’s recommended to employ an HVAC professional to make extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

You can identify 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 the presence of a blockage that must 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 probably exist in that area.

Another common sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house, even when household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in family members by circulating dust mold spores, mites and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening for elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect dangerous 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 ought to. This is a serious issue as sweaty ducts permit excessive moisture to enter homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It’s also important to periodically check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of a variety of materials and each type has different characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and resist insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they are suffering from a leakage or humidity problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

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

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air duct insulation, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and breath shortness. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to remove large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to remove once they’ve begun to grow. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of 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.

To prevent the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps can help to prevent condensation and moisture which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities that leave you with itchy, runny eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes and later dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can allow these particles to sneak through and be circulated throughout the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A clogged air duct could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some instances more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites onto their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re more likely to be settling in areas where they aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are among these areas, and if they’re not regularly cleaned the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will use a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through ductwork that is leaky.