How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are worsening or you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts increase energy efficiency since they are durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are inexpensive and fit into tight spaces, but they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in ducts can cause the air conditioning to escape, and this can decrease the efficiency of energy used in a home. Leaks are commonplace at the point where duct segments meet particularly at joints. These sections can separate and loosen in time because of gravity or age, as well as other factors. Sealing these connections with mastic or metal tape can assist in preventing the loss of air, but it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Check for indications of leaks in the ducts in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Find areas where ducts are kinked or crushed that indicate blockage and need to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to any whistling sounds that occur when the HVAC system is operating. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots could be a sign of a leaky pipe. This is due to air leaks that can prevent the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

In addition, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout the house even when the household activities haven’t changed. They can cause asthma and allergies in family members due to the circulating dust mold spores, mites, and other allergens in living spaces.

In addition to spreading dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living area. If you store paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for example, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into your living space and expose your family members to the fumes. This problem is especially dangerous if you have children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida, air conditioning ducts sweat more than they ought to. This is because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive humidity into homes. This can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are many steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

First, reduce the amount of water that is used in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use for cooking, bathing and aquariums. In humid areas, homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier to keep their home dryer.

It’s also important to periodically inspect the ductwork for signs of mold or other problems. If there’s any issue the ducts need to be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. It is usually caused by improperly installed seals or joints, which can cause cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed and using top-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are made of various materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that determine the way they perform. The cheapest air ducts made of polyester, have the least lifespan and are more susceptible to damage by pests and elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a little more expensive however they last longer and be resistant to pests.

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

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a leakage or humidity issue, they should call an experienced HVAC service. The expert will evaluate the ductwork and recommend any repairs or replacements needed. It is essential that the ductwork is easily accessible, since it will impact the speed and how much the professional can complete the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts can be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is caused by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and conducive to mold growth. The spores are then distributed through your HVAC system throughout your home which causes allergic reactions in household members.

The visible signs of mold around the air vents are a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be a sign that mold is growing. If the area appears damp or slimy, there is an issue. A musty odor is another indication of mold.

Mold can also be identified by ripped or torn air duct insulation, rips on the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem is severe, then you may even notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is typically found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between rafters and the walls of your home. Stachybotrys may cause allergies, irritated eyes and throat, as well as respiratory problems.

Mold in the air ducts can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breathe. The symptoms can be more severe in children and elderly. The air ducts that are contaminated by mold can cause nausea headaches, fatigue and fatigue.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts, but it is not recommended to clean large areas of mold. This is due to the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eradicate once they begin growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the homeowner has successfully eliminated all the mold and prevented it from returning. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts, and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

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

Allergens

Allergies can make your summertime activities miserable, leaving you with itchy eyes, swollen noses and a general sense of discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to fight allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal habitat for allergens that trigger your allergic symptoms.

Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are all common allergens that trigger allergies. These particles can be transported into your Fridley home via shoes or clothing and then scattered throughout the house by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork can let these particles pass through, and they’ll be circulated throughout the house.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is a great way to combat these allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove these particles and help you breathe more comfortably.

A duct that is dirty could also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can cause illness and trigger allergy symptoms, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts and the vents of your home.

When ducts are filthy, bacteria may build up inside and be circulated throughout your home when you turn on your air conditioner. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer months, many people carry allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites on their shoes and clothing. This is the most unpleasant time of the year to be exposed to these kinds of things and they’re likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the next spring or summer. Air ducts are one of these areas, and if they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens can remain in your air ducts until you turn on your cooling or heating system.

Clean air ducts can cause many problems for homeowners, such as more expensive 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.