How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency because they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are affordable. However they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most common when duct segments connect in particular at joints. These sections can separate and become loose over time as a result of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections will help to stop air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas where ducts are damaged or kinked, which indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Be aware of any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these noises it is likely that there are leaks in the ducts.

Unsuspecting hot and cold spots are another indication of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

Even when the household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts can also let toxic fumes enter the living area. 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 the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous when elderly or children reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that will detect the harmful gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts sweat more than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to get into homes which can cause mold growth and poor air quality. There are several things that homeowners can do to decrease humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water that is used in your home. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing and for decorations such as aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should use a dehumidifier to make their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.

Leakage is a common issue with ductwork. Usually, this happens because of improperly installed joints or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. This is prevented by using premium metals and making sure that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that determine the performance of these ducts. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they are the most brittle and are prone to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive however they last longer and can be resistant to insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they are often blocked by toys, furniture and other items which can impede airflow. A blocked duct can affect airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy consumption.

The blocked ducts can also lead to uneven heating and cooling as well as a significant issue in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork, and make suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is simple to access, as this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and the overall cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could occur when two factors come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation on the inside of the air ducts which creates a moist environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get circulated throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The visible signs of mold around air vents are an indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then there is clearly an issue. A musty smell is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be identified by torn or damaged air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even see rotting wood and sagging metal.

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

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold within their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. The safety concerns involved are the reason. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. There is also no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are changed frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every few years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make summertime activities unpleasant, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny noses and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a vital part of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Allergy triggers include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork may allow these particles to sneak through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

The best way to combat these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will remove these particles and let you breathe more easily.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergies, particularly those who already suffer from allergies. These bacteria are spread when air moves through your ducts and the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated around your entire home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even cause more serious illnesses in some cases.

Many people, especially during the spring and the early summer months, bring allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes, on their clothing and shoes. These allergens are likely to settle in places that won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is switched on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Fortunately, these issues can be avoided by cleaning your ducts and by sealing any leaky ducts by using an Aeroseal company. An Aeroseal technician will apply the duct sealant with a pressurized system to block air from getting into your home through ductwork that is leaky.

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