How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, such as dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage from pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit conditioned air to escape the system. They can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks are typically found when duct sections meet and are most often at joints. These sections may loosen and break off as time passes due to age 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 seal your ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate blockage and require to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this may explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain the same temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the building even when the household activities haven’t changed. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts could also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This 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.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and decorations like aquariums. In addition homeowners should consider using a dehumidifier in humid climates to make the house dry.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. This is usually due to joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed and using top-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each one has its own characteristics that affect the way they function. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest lifespan and are more vulnerable to damage by insects and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

Blocked ducts can also lead to uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, as this will affect how quickly and at what cost the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together that is, warm temperatures and moisture. 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 are then transported throughout the home through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you must engage an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts are tears or tears in the insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could observe decaying wood or the metal is sagging.

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

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

It is advised homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts at least once every few years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens 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 carried into your Fridley home via clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service can eliminate these particles and help you breathe better.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergy symptoms. These bacteria are spread when air flows through your ducts, and then into the vents in your home.

If the ducts get dirty, bacteria can build up inside and be circulated throughout your home whenever you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory issues and, in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in your air ducts 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 and sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to prevent air from getting through leaky ductwork.