How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are cheap. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape which can lower the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks typically occur where duct segments meet and are most often at joints. These sections can loosen and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

Look for signs of duct leaks in your crawlspace or attic where ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are crushed or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these sounds, leaks in the duct probably exist in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots throughout the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat certain rooms, this issue may explain why those spaces are difficult to keep at the same temperature.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the house even if household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens in living areas.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could release these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous for elderly or children in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid environments like Florida, air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue, as sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This means reducing the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It’s also important to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any issues.

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

Air ducts are made of various materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they function. The least expensive air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage by pests and elements. Aluminum ducts are more costly, but last longer and are more resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys, and other objects. The blocked ducts can impact the airflow as well as the efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating and cooling, which is an issue for older buildings that are poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The professional will assess the ductwork and suggest any repairs or replacements needed. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together such as warm temperatures and moisture. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

Mold around the vents is a good indication to hire a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is definitely a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include ripped or torn insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be more severe in children and the older. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can also cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

It is suggested homeowners not to attempt 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 get rid of once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and stop it from returning. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and guarantee that it does not return.

To stop 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 once every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities difficult and leave you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger allergy symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley home through clothing or shoes, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great method to fight these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles, helping you to breathe more comfortably and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make your sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into the vents of your home.

When ducts become dirty, bacteria can accumulate within them and circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the air conditioner. This can cause respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious ailments.

During the spring and early summer, a lot of people bring in allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are more likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime illustration. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Dirty air ducts pose an issue for homeowners. They can result in more expensive energy bills, as well as uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will employ a pressurized duct sealant to prevent air from entering your home through ductwork that is leaky.

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