How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can accumulate dust, mildew, mold growth, and other particles. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse, or you smell an unpleasant odor, it may be time to schedule a cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency because they are robust and almost impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and can be squeezed into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause conditioned air to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy in homes. Leaks typically occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and break off over time due to age gravity, gravity and other elements. Sealing these connections will help to prevent air leakage. However, it is recommended to employ a professional HVAC technician to carry out extensive repairs and seal your ducts.

You can identify indications of leaks in your ducts by conducting an inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked that indicate obstruction and should be sealed. Examine if the seams or joints are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. This is because air leaks can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when the household activities are not affected, gaps in ductwork can spread dust throughout a structure. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members through the circulation of dust mites, mold spores and other allergens that can be found in living spaces.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for example leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into the living space and expose your loved ones to the fumes. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. A professional can install an indoor air quality monitor that can detect these dangerous gasses and alert you of their presence in the air.

High Humidity

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

The first step is to reduce the use of water in the home as much as you can. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In addition, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the home more dry.

It is also important to check the ductwork on a regular basis for signs of mold or other issues. Professionals should clean and seal ducts if there are any problems.

Leakage is another issue that can be found in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause cracks and gaps. This can be avoided by using high-quality metals and ensuring that all joints and connections are properly installed.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each type has its own characteristics that affect the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts, which are made of polyester, have the shortest life expectancy and are more prone to damage caused by insects and other elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and can repel pests.

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

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should contact a HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork be easily accessible, since this will affect how quickly and how much the professional can complete the task.

Mold

Warm temperatures and moisture can create mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates a climate that is humid and ideal for the growth of mold. The spores then get circulated by your HVAC system throughout the house, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around vents is a good indication that you should hire a professional HVAC for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears to be wet or slimy, then it’s a clear sign that there is a serious issue. If there is a musty scent, this is also an indication of a mold infestation.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on vent covers rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold issue is severe, you may observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

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

The signs of mold in the air ducts are wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. The symptoms can be more severe in children and the elderly. Air ducts can also trigger nausea headaches, fatigue, and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the security concerns that come with. Mold spores can spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to eliminate all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely eliminate mold in air ducts and make sure that it does not return.

To prevent the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters frequently and clean the ducts every couple of years. Following these steps will help prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities unpleasant and leave you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens in order to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your 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 dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by leaks in the ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service will eliminate these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A clogged air duct may also contain bacteria. Bacteria can cause you to be sick and worsen your allergies. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts and into the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up within them and circulate throughout your home every time you turn on your air conditioning. This can cause respiratory problems and could result in more serious illness in some cases.

In the spring and early summer, a lot of people carry allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. This is the worst time of the year to be exposed to these things and they’re likely to be settling in areas where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are a prime example. If they’re not cleaned regularly, allergens can remain in the vents until your heating and cooling system is turned on.

Dirty air ducts pose a major issue for homeowners. They can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. An Aeroseal technician will apply an duct sealant that is pressurized to prevent air from entering your home through leaky ductwork.