How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect particles, including dust, mildew and even mold. These pollutants are then dispersed 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 house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are suitable for use in tight spaces and are inexpensive. However they are susceptible to damage from pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system, and they can dramatically reduce a house’s energy efficiency. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join and are most often at joints. The ducts can become loose and split in time due to aging gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections using metal tape or mastic will help prevent air loss however, it’s recommended to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and insulate the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces, where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system runs. If you hear these noises you could have duct leaks in that area.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the house. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even if the activities of the household are not affected the ductwork’s gaps can distribute dust throughout a building. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mold spores, mites and other allergens that can be found in living areas.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. Leaking ductwork for instance can expose your family to fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This is especially dangerous if children or elderly adults live in the home. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor to detect the harmful gases and alert you to their presence in the air.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates such as Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which could cause a variety of problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to reduce humidity and ensure that ductwork is dry.

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as possible. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners must make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home drier.

It is also essential to regularly examine the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal the ducts when they notice any problems.

Leakage is another common problem when it comes to ductwork. This is usually due to joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts can be found in various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that affect how well they perform. The least expensive air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the lowest time to live and are more vulnerable to damage caused by insects and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and can resist pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they are often blocked by furniture, toys and other items, which restricts airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

Blocked ducts may also cause uneven cooling and heating in older buildings with poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner believes they have a humidity or leakage issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It is crucial that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and the overall cost of the task.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores are then circulated through your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

Signs of mold on the surface around air vents are an indicator that you should employ an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black can be an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is an issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold problem.

It is also possible to detect mold by torn or damaged air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe 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 can grow on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters in your home. Stachybotrys can trigger irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory issues.

The signs of mold in air ducts include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may suffer more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may cause nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to get rid of when they begin to grow. There is also no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and stopped it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

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 once every few years. By following these steps, you can keep humidity and condensation out, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can ruin your summer activities and leave you with itchy, swollen eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. Your air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing, and then spread throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated all over the house.

The best method to fight the allergens that cause you to suffer is an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and aggravate your allergies, especially if you have allergies already. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to your home’s vents.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory problems and could cause more serious illnesses in certain cases.

During the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle in 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 can remain in the ducts until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Air ducts that are dirty can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.