How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and mold. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it could be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts can be utilized in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet, especially at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

Even when household activities are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance could expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This risk is particularly threatening when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, such as mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other problems. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by a professional.

Another problem that is often encountered with ductwork is leakage. This is usually due to improperly installed seals or joints that can lead to cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts can be found in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be impeded by objects such as furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the airflow and efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also cause uneven cooling and heating as well as an issue in older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage problem, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easy to access, since this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area looks wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious issue. A musty smell is another indication of mold.

It is also possible to detect mold by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe you could observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. Symptoms can be more severe in children and older. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and keep it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out which can promote mold growth.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Maintaining a clean home 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 get transported into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

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 to breathe more comfortably and combat your allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can be spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

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

During the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re more likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly, the allergens will stay in the air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to stop air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.