Molds can be found everywhere, even in the air, both outdoors and indoors. Spotting them on the walls, ceilings, or floors around your home is easy. However, mold can sneak in places that are easily overlooked or do not show visible signs, such as inside air ducts and vents.

From 1996 to 2021, the percentage of Americans saying that air conditioning became necessary in the United States increased to 82%. With that, homeowners are responsible for checking, regularly cleaning, and contacting a professional to maintain your HVAC system. Thus, preventing health issues, structural damage, and expenses as well.

Why Does Mold Grow in Air Ducts?

Mold spores need moisture and a food source to create mold colonies.

Sometimes, water droplets accumulate in the air ducts and do not evaporate. As a result, moisture forms, and food sources (dust, dirt, or dead skin cells) allow mold spores to grow and spread.

Look Out for Signs of Mold in Air Ducts

The following are some signs of mold growth in your air ducts:

1.) Moldy Smell

The first sign you may notice when your air conditioner is running is a strong, musty smell. Mold is usually a damp, stale, or rotten odor in a contained room where your AC is. However, if the mold in air ducts stays longer and is not addressed immediately, the fungus will spread throughout your HVAC system and home.

2.) Health Issues

Mold in air ducts and air vents can be dangerous since the air will distribute the mold around your home. This can lead to various health effects such as:

• Asthma-like symptoms
• Allergy symptoms
• Eye Irritation
• Throat Irritation
• Coughing
• Sinusitis
• Unexplainable Headaches
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Infections
• Hay fever
• Pulmonary hemorrhage

If you suddenly experience these symptoms and notice mold in your air ducts, clean them immediately. Visit your doctor if necessary.

3.) Appearance of Mold

You can see mold in air vents and around the air ducts and drip pans differently. There are obvious signs, but the only way to verify if it’s mold is to check it with a viable mold test kit or send a sample to a lab. Mold can appear as black spots or white, fuzzy growth. It may be large and cover a mass area or look like tiny black spots or black mold. Sometimes, it can also appear green, yellow, pink, or blue or look like a stain or discoloration.

How to Prevent Mold in Air Ducts

An excellent way to eliminate mold in your air ducts is to prevent it from forming and recurrence. This will ensure a good quality of air inside your home. Here are some prevention measures:

• Clean HVAC ducts and drip pans regularly.
• Insulate air ducts to reduce condensation.
• Seal leaks and condensation if necessary and if there are no other feasible alternatives.
• Prevent furniture from blocking your air ducts and vents.
• Invest in and use a good dehumidifier to balance the moisture level in your air and prevent mold growth.
• Properly size any new HVAC installations and replace system filters if necessary.
• Get help from professionals to check and inspect your HVAC system regularly. Moreover, they have the tools to kill mold and prevent it from recurring.

Experiencing Mold in Your Air Ducts?

Cleaning your air ducts regularly is very important to improve the air quality in your home. If you feel worried about mold in your air ducts, our professionals are well-prepared to help you remove mold completely. Moreover, we can provide air duct cleaning to improve indoor air quality and restore your home. Superior Mold Damage Restoration is always committed to integrity, quality, and affordability.

Please get in touch with us today, Water Damage San Jacinto. We offer mold remediation and air duct cleaning services 24/7.