How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you smell a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are robust and rustproof, boosting energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are affordable and can be squeezed into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks are most prevalent at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can loosen and separate in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. 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 insulate your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed or kinked. This indicates a blockage which needs to be sealed. Examine the seams and joints to determine if they’re hot. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct are likely to be present in the area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots could be a sign of a leaking pipe. Since air leaks rob the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this issue may explain why these rooms are difficult to keep at an even temperature.

Gaps in ductwork can also allow dust to circulate throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can trigger asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living areas.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening for children or elderly people living in your home. 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 hot, humid environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they ought to. This is a serious problem, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are many ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in humid climates to help make the home more dry.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another issue that can be found with ductwork. It is usually the result of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could lead to gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that all joints and connections are properly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts are available in a variety of materials and each has distinct characteristics that can affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more vulnerable to being damaged by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects like furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

Blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be an issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they are suffering from a leakage or humidity issue, they should contact an experienced HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and make recommendations for any repairs or replacements. It’s crucial that the ductwork be easily accessible, as it will impact the speed and how much the professional can finish the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can occur when two factors come together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated throughout the house by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication to hire an expert 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, then there is clearly something wrong. If there is a musty scent that is an indication of a mold infestation.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or ripped air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious you could see rotting wood and the metal is sagging.

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

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include coughing, wheezing and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Air ducts that are contaminated with mold can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, but it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from recurring. A professional can safely take away the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts can be a breeding ground for things that trigger allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores, and pet dander are all typical allergy triggers. These particles can get tracked into your Fridley house on clothes or shoes, and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by leaks in ductwork.

The best method to fight these allergens is with a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, particularly if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home when the air conditioner is on. This can cause respiratory problems and can result in more serious illness in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that will not be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts are an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by cleaning your ducts as well as sealing any leaky ducts with an Aeroseal company. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.

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