How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate debris, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then circulated throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or if you smell 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, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the conditioned air to escape and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially 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 can help stop air leakage. However, it’s recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and to insulate your ducts.

You can check for indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that are bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Feel along the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you can hear these sounds you could have leaks in the ducts.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another sign of a leaky duct. This is because air leaks could stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities are not affected, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts could also let toxic fumes enter the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to fumes. This risk is particularly threatening if you have children or elderly people living in your home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect dangerous gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem since the ducts that sweat are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, limit the amount of water used in your home. This includes cutting down on the amount of water used to cook, bathe, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house more dry.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. Usually, this happens because of joints that have been installed incorrectly or seals that can result in cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and ensuring that all joints and connections have been correctly installed.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own unique characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, made of polyester, have the shortest time to live and are more prone to damage by pests and other elements. Aluminum ducts are more expensive but last longer and are resistant to insects.

Airflow can be restricted by objects such as furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts can affect both the airflow and energy efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and suggest any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is easily accessible, since this will impact how quickly and at what cost the expert can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold in air conditioning ducts. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is damp and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergy symptoms in household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is an indication that you should employ a professional HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area looks slimy or wet, it is a clear indication that there is a significant issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on vent covers rodent droppings, and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is serious, you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. This mold can produce toxic mold. It is usually found on drywall and wood surfaces, but it can also be found in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation to the nose, throat, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

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

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to clean any large patches of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores are quickly spread across the air and are difficult to eradicate once they start growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in air ducts, make sure to change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts once every couple of years. By following these steps, you can prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities that leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Making sure your home is free of allergens is a crucial aspect of fighting allergies. Moreover, the air conditioning ducts in your home can be a perfect breeding ground for the things that cause your symptoms.

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

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner will eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and fight off allergies.

A clogged air duct could also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty bacteria can grow inside them and then be circulated around your entire home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory issues and could lead to more serious illnesses in certain instances.

In the spring and early summer, many people are exposed to allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their shoes and clothes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

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

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