How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are getting worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off in time due to aging, gravity and other factors. Sealing these connections can keep air from leaking. However, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your attic, basement and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Feel along the joints and seams to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

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

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This is especially dangerous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and warn you about their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture into homes and cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and even decorations such as aquariums. In addition homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house dry.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. This is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they function. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are suffering from leakage or humidity should call an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It’s crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts are ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold that is found in air ducts. The mold can cause toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between the rafters and walls of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to irritation of the eyes, allergies nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts in the air can cause nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they’ve begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned once every few years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout your home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best method to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and even cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are most likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can be a major problem for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through leaky ductwork.