Table of Contents
If you notice that there is usually mold in your air ducts, you should also check your walls and ceilings because they are often there as well. Even if you can’t see it, you might feel its presence. Mold signs include a musty smell and mold exposure symptoms similar to allergic reactions (irritated nose, coughing, wheezing, etc.). If you suspect mold in your air ducts, take quick action and follow these guidelines.
Tips for preventing Mold in your Air Ducts
- Stop the HVAC unit. If you know or suspect that mold is growing in your AC ducts, don’t run the HVAC system. Doing so prevents mold from spreading even more throughout your home.
- Get a mold test. Mold is often confused with dirt or dust and you could waste your time and money in the removal process. To confirm that the substance in your HVAC vents is mold, contact a certified mold inspector. They offer laboratory analysis of samples taken from your air ducts. Also, check out when you should have your air ducts cleaned.
- Examine the air duct type. Find out what your ductwork is made of – fiberglass, flex duct or metal sheet. Depending on the duct material type, different cleaning methods and charges apply. Removing mold from bare sheet metal is much easier. However, if your ducts are made of fiberglass or insulated internally with fiberglass duct liner, they can’t be effectively cleaned and should be replaced.
- Hire a mold removal company. Removing mold from your sheet metal ducts is challenging, time-consuming, and dangerous. The cleaning must be done safely and correctly using specialized tools and cleaners to prevent mold from growing back. A professional mold removal company can also address the causes which allowed mold to grow in the first place.
- Know who you hire. Air duct cleaning services are regulated by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). Professional air duct cleaning involves using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved products and processes for effective mold removal. In addition, steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work. So make sure the company you hire adheres to NADCA standards and uses the recommended tools and products.
- Prevent mold in AC vents. Once the mold is removed following proper procedures, find out what caused it to grow and take steps to eliminate the causes. Follow these HVAC mold prevention guidelines:
- Control the humidity levels in your home. Use a dehumidifier if your home is prone to high humidity.
- Fix water leaks and remove standing water. Make sure that AC drain pans slope toward the drain. This helps remove standing water under cooling coils of AC units.
- Ensure your HVAC components and drain pans are easily accessible for proper cleaning and maintenance.
- Check out more HVAC mold prevention tips and HVAC water damage prevention tips.
Types of mold in your air ducts
Several types of mold can potentially grow in air ducts. Common species include:
- Cladosporium: This mold is often found in both indoor and outdoor environments. It can appear in various colors, such as green, brown, or black.
- Aspergillus: Aspergillus is a common mold that comes in many species. It can be found in dust and is known for its rapid growth.
- Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold): This mold is notorious, often associated with water-damaged buildings. It appears black and slimy.
- Penicillium: This mold is known for its blue or green appearance. It can produce mycotoxins and is commonly found in water-damaged buildings.
- Alternaria: Often found in damp areas, this mold can appear black or olive green. It is known to cause allergies.
It’s important to note that the presence of mold in your air ducts is a concern due to potential health issues and should be addressed promptly by professionals through proper cleaning and remediation. Regular maintenance and addressing water damage promptly can help prevent mold growth in ducts.
Call PuroClean for Professional Cleaning of Mold in your air ducts
When you hire PuroClean for cleaning up mold in your air ducts, rest assured your air duct system is in safe hands. We will inspect and consult on the status of your system, vacuum the system with Rotobrush technology, and then clean, sanitize, deodorize or encapsulate duct systems where needed.
