How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then spread 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 sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are susceptible 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 typically found when duct sections meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can identify signs of duct leaks by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Verify if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots in the home. Since air leaks deprive 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.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living area. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This is particularly dangerous when you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house drier.

It is also crucial to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals must clean and seal the ducts if there are any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is they can become blocked by furniture, toys and other objects which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven heating and cooling in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is easy to access, since this will affect the speed with which the professional can arrive at work and also the total cost of the task.

Mold

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

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be an indication that mold is growing. If the area appears to be slimy or wet, it’s a clear sign that there is a major problem. If there is a musty smell that is an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on 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 type of mold that can be found in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes nose and throat, and respiratory problems.

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

It is recommended that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the safety concerns involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Following these steps will help keep humidity and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, runny eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Keep your home free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the house due to ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergy symptoms, especially when you already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts and into the vents inside your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

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

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