How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then distributed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or if you smell an unpleasant odor, it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, which can lower the efficiency of energy used in homes. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet in particular at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to hire an expert HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate the presence of a blockage that must be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Be aware of any whistling noises when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, duct leaks probably exist in that area.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky air duct. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause allergies and asthma symptoms in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts can spread toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous if children or elderly adults reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid and hot climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they should be. This is because the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. There are a variety of ways homeowners can reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is limit water use in the home as much as you can. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home dry.

It’s also important to periodically examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by an expert.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in various materials. Each type has its own characteristics that can influence how well they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the shortest lifespan and are more prone to damage caused by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive, but they last longer and repel pests.

Another issue with ducts is they may be blocked by toys, furniture and other objects, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts can affect both the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

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

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores can then be circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is clearly a problem. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be identified by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may see rotting wooden and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most common mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It can develop on the wood and drywall surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose and eyes, as well respiratory problems.

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

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns are the reason for this. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of once they begin growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and make sure that it doesn’t come back.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned regularly and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked the Fridley home on clothing or shoes and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could let these particles pass through and be circulated throughout the house.

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

A dirty air duct can also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are spread by the air that passes through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts become filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory problems and in some cases more serious ailments.

Many people, particularly in the spring and the early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of year for these kinds of things and they’re likely to be settling in areas that aren’t disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of those areas. If they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you switch on your heating or cooling system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to stop air from getting into your home through leaky ductwork.

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