How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect particles, including mold, mildew, and dust. These contaminants are then distributed throughout the house. If your allergies are getting worse, or you notice an unpleasant odor, it might be the time to schedule a clean.

Sheet metal ducts are resistant to rust and are durable, which can help improve energy efficiency. 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 the air conditioning to escape, and this can reduce the efficiency of energy in a home. Leaks usually occur when duct sections meet particularly at joints. These sections may split and become loose over time as a result of gravity and age, among other things. Sealing these connections can help stop air leakage. However, it is best to hire a professional HVAC technician to do extensive repairs and insulate your ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by conducting an inspection of your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts which are bent, crushed, or twisted. This could indicate an obstruction that needs to be sealed. Check to see whether the joints or seams are warm. Pay attention to whistling sounds that happen when the HVAC system is operating. If you hear these noises you could have leaks in the ducts.

Another sign of a leaking duct is unexplained hot or cold spots throughout the home. This is because air leaks can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating certain rooms.

The ductwork’s gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout the house even when the household activities aren’t changing. Dust mould spores, mites and other allergens can cause asthma and allergies in family members.

In addition to distributing dust, leaking ducts may also release toxic fumes into the living space. If you keep pesticides or paint thinners in your basement, for instance, leaking ductwork can send these chemicals into the living space and expose your family members to fumes. This issue is particularly dangerous when elderly or children live in the home. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely to sweat than they should. This is a serious issue because sweaty ducts allow excessive moisture to enter homes, which can lead to mold growth and poor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

First, reduce the amount of water you use in your home. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. In humid climates, homeowners should also use a dehumidifier to make their homes drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for signs of mold or other issues. If there are problems, the ducts should be cleaned and sealed by professionals.

Leakage is another common problem with ductwork. It is usually caused by joints or seals that have been installed incorrectly which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that all joints and connections are correctly installed, and using high-quality materials such as metal.

Air ducts are available in different materials. Each kind has its own distinct characteristics that can influence how well they perform. Polyester air ducts are the most affordable, however they have the least life span and are prone to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are a bit more expensive, but they last longer and resist insects.

Another problem with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys and other objects that block airflow. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and energy efficiency of your system.

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

A homeowner who suspects that they are experiencing issues with leakage or humidity should call a HVAC service. The expert will examine the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It is essential that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this will affect the speed with which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could be caused by two things coming together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation within the air ducts. This creates an environment that is humid and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores are then circulated by your HVAC system throughout the home, causing allergy symptoms among household members.

The presence of mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should hire an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Black dust particles are often an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears wet or slimy, then it is a clear indication that there is a serious problem. A musty odor is another sign of mold.

Mold can also be detected by torn or ripped air insulation for ducts, rips on vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the problem with mold is severe, you may observe decaying wood or falling metal.

Stachybotrys is the most prevalent mold found in air ducts. The mold can cause 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 trigger irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, and respiratory problems.

Symptoms of mold in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Children and seniors may have more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts can also cause nausea, headaches and fatigue.

It is advised that homeowners avoid attempting to remove large areas of mold. This is due to the security concerns that come with. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to eliminate once they have started growing. There is no guarantee the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and keep it from resurfacing. A professional can safely take away the mold from air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t return.

The best way to avoid mold in air ducts is to make sure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned every couple of years. Taking these steps will stop humidity and condensation which can trigger the growth of mold.

Allergens

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

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can be tracked to your Fridley house on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. Leaks in your ductwork could allow these particles to pass through and be circulated throughout the home.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and fight off allergies.

A dirty air duct can also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air passes through your ducts, and then into the vents of your home.

If the ducts are dirty the bacteria may build up in them and be circulated throughout your home, especially when the air conditioner is turned on. This can cause respiratory issues and in some cases, more serious illnesses.

During the spring and early summer, many people bring in allergens like mold, pollen and dust mites onto their shoes and clothes. This is the worst time of year for these things and they’re more likely to settle in areas that will not 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 vents 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 assist you in avoiding these issues by regularly cleaning your ducts and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians employ a pressurized sealant to block air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.

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