How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. The 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 increase energy efficiency because they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts can be used in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow conditioned air to escape the system, and can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

Find indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Examine the joints and seams to determine if they’re hot. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another indication of leaky ducts is unidentified hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are unchanged the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for example, can expose your family members to fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This is particularly dangerous for elderly or children in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to decrease humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for bathing, cooking and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home drier.

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

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more susceptible to being damaged by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and can repel insects.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by toys, furniture and other objects that block airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that are poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

The warm and humid temperatures create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation in the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout the house and cause allergic reactions among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is an indication that you should 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 appears wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a major problem. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Other indicators of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

The most common kind of mold found in air ducts is Stachybotrys, which can produce toxic mold. It can grow on the wood and drywall surfaces, but also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys may cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts can be a breeding place for the things that cause your symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaner will remove these particles, helping you breathe better and fight off allergies.

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

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up within them and circulate throughout your home when you turn on the air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and in some cases more serious ailments.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes, on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re more likely to be settling in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air vents until you turn on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by regularly cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians use a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.