How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts are a great place to collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then recirculated throughout the home. If your allergies are becoming worse or you are smelling an unpleasant odor, it could be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are nearly resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, however they are prone to damage by pests.

Leaks

Duct leaks permit air conditioning to escape from the system, and can significantly decrease a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks usually occur at the point where duct segments join, especially at joints. These sections may split and become loose in time because of gravity and age, among other things. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can aid in preventing air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to seal the ducts.

Check for signs of duct leaks in your attic or crawlspace where the ductwork is exposed. Check for areas of ducts that are kinked, crushed or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Verify whether the joints or seams are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling noises when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds, there are probably duct leaks in that area.

Unexplained hot and cold spots are another sign of a leaky pipe. Because air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or warm specific rooms, this could be the reason for these spaces to be difficult to keep at an even temperature.

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

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. If you keep paint thinners or pesticides in your basement, for instance leaky ductwork could send these chemicals into your living space and expose your loved ones to fumes. This problem is especially dangerous for children or elderly people living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect the presence of these gases and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In humid and hot environments like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should be. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. There are many things homeowners can do to lower humidity and keep the ductwork dry.

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

It’s also important to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other issues. If there’s a problem the ducts must be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is a common issue in ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly that can lead to cracks and gaps. This can be prevented by using premium metals and by ensuring that all joints and connections are correctly installed.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that impact how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they have the least life span and are prone to damage from pests and the elements. Ducts made of aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Airflow can be impeded by furniture, toys, and other objects. A blocked duct can affect the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

The blocked ducts can also cause uneven heating and cooling, which can be a significant issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is simple to access, since this could affect the speed at which the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can create mold to develop in air conditioning ducts. The condensation causes the moisture on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a moist environment in which the mold spores thrive. The spores are then transported throughout the home by your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you should hire an HVAC professional for AC cleaning. Black dust particles can be a sign that mold is thriving. If the area appears damp or slimy, then there is a problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Other indicators of a mold problem in your air ducts could be ripped or torn insulation, rips in the vent covers rodent droppings and the cockroach shells. If the problem is serious, then you may even observe decaying wood or sliding metal.

Stachybotrys is the most frequent mold that is found in air ducts. It can result in toxic mold. It is usually found on wood and drywall surfaces but can also grow in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

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

It is suggested that homeowners do not attempt to clean large areas of mold. This is because of the safety issues involved. Mold spores can spread quickly through the air and are very difficult to eliminate once they begin growing. In addition, there is no guarantee that the home owner has successfully removed all of the mold and prevented it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To avoid mold growth in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters on a regular basis and to clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help keep moisture and condensation out which can promote the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can disrupt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling 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.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be tracked in to your Fridley house on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout the house by your HVAC system. These particles could be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

The best method to fight these allergens is to do an extensive cleaning of your air ducts. A professional duct cleaner can remove these particles, helping you breathe more easily and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen your allergies. The bacteria can be spread through the air that flows through your ducts to the vents of your home.

When ducts are dirty, bacteria can build up inside them and then be spread throughout your home when the air conditioner is turned on. This can lead to respiratory issues and even cause more serious illnesses in certain instances.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold and dust mites into their homes on their shoes and clothing. These allergens are likely to be deposited in areas that won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they are not cleaned regularly, allergens could remain in the ducts until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause numerous problems for homeowners, including increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians will apply a sealant that is pressurized to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.

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