How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect debris, including dust, mildew and mold. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it might be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually completely rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks are typically found where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections may split and loosen in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections can help prevent air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to make extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in ducts in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are kinked or crushed, which indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sound that occurs when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another indication of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots within the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when the household activities remain the same the ductwork’s gaps can spread dust throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

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

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a problem since the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as is possible. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home dryer.

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

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

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are more susceptible to damage from pests and the elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Another issue with ducts is they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the energy efficiency of your system.

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

If a homeowner suspects that they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork, and make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get circulated through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black can be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears wet or slimy, there is an issue. If there is a musty odor, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the problem is severe it could be that you see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove mold in air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

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. These steps will prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, runny eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the triggers that cause your symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house by leaks in ductwork.

The best way to combat the allergens that cause you to suffer is thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergy symptoms. The bacteria can be spread through the air that passes through your ducts to your home’s vents.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air cooling. This can lead to respiratory issues and can lead to more serious illnesses in certain cases.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their clothing and shoes. This is the worst time of year for these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are just one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air vents until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can be an issue for homeowners. They can result in higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ the duct sealant with a pressurized system to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.