Most people associate mold with damp basements, musty attics, or old buildings.
However, mold can grow anywhere there is moisture, including around air vents.
Mold around air vents is not only unsightly but can also be dangerous to your health.
Here are the symptoms of a mold problem in your home and possible solutions.
If you notice mold growth in your AC ductwork, don’t ignore it.
More often than not, mold enters the duct system when there is condensation or moisture in the vents.
It’s essential to upkeep your air conditioning unit to regularly do duct cleaning and keep them as dry as possible to prevent mold around AC vents.
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What Causes Mold Around AC Vents?
A few different things can cause mold to grow around AC vents.
One common cause is leaky ductwork.
When there are leaks in ductwork, mold can grow because moisture seeps into the insulation around the ducts.
Another common cause of mold around AC vents is high humidity levels in the home.
If your home is too humid, mold will quickly grow and spread.
How to Spot Mold in Your Air Conditioning Unit?
Some tell-tale signs that your air ducts might be infected with mold are:
Black Dust:
The tell-tale sign of AC mold is black dust.
Unfortunately, this mold can be toxic if not removed immediately by a professional at Air Clean AAA, your air duct cleaning company in Sacramento.
Foul Odors:
The musty, distinctive, and odd smells that worsen with time are unpleasant.
They’re also a sign of black mold in the AC ducts.
And as we all know, black mold can harm your family’s health.
Moisture:
Mold growth is often the result of water or moisture.
If you see mold on your AC ductwork, it’s likely because there is too much moisture in the area.
Itchy Eyes:
If you’re displaying physical symptoms like itchy or red eyes, swelling, or other allergic reactions, you likely have a mold problem.
Breathing Difficulties:
If you see mold around your AC vents, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong.
You or someone in your family may start to experience a scratchy throat, and it may become more difficult to breathe normally.
If anyone in the household has preexisting lung problems like asthma, they could worsen.
Nausea and Fatigue:
Because of the bad air quality, you may constantly feel short of breath and exhausted.
A headache follows whenever you turn on the AC or vertigo hits.
Steps to Follow When There Is Mold Around AC Vents
If you are confident that mold is present in your air conditioner, you should follow these steps:
- The HVAC unit should be turned off to prevent mold from affecting other house parts.
- Get a mold test or certified mold inspector to check the air ducts.
- Learn about the mold that can form around AC vents, depending on the type of air ducts and materials used.
- Also, get maintenance tips to prevent it in the future.
To avoid further damages, promptly replace any broken parts and hire a mold removal professional as soon as possible.
Prevent AC Mold Issues
Part of the solution to getting rid of mold in air ducts understands what symptoms may show up.
But realize that you must also keep this problem from recurring.
Some guidelines for HVAC mold prevention include the following:
- It is essential to go for vent cleaning regularly to keep them functioning correctly.
- Keep your AC running smoothly.
- Reducing the humidity in your home
- Solving moisture damage and water issues before they start
- Proper drainage in your home will ensure that water damage does not occur.
How to Get Rid of Mold Around AC Vents
Although it may be alarming to see mold around your AC vents, there is no need to worry.
There are a few easy solutions.
First, locate the source of the moisture and fix it.
If you have leaky ductwork, have it repaired by a professional at Air Clean AAA.
If your home is too humid, invest in a dehumidifier or take steps to improve ventilation.
Once you’ve eliminated the source of the moisture, clean the affected areas with a bleach solution or another commercial mold-removing product.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Finally, keep the area around your AC vents clean and dry to prevent mold from returning in the future.
Conclusion
If you see mold near your AC vents, don’t worry!
Mold can be a severe problem in your home, so it’s essential to be professionally tested if you suspect you have a mold issue.
A qualified inspector will be able to determine the extent of the problem and make recommendations for remediation.
In some cases, mold removal may require the demolition of affected materials.
If left unchecked, mold can pose serious health risks.
Mold is a fungus that grows in moist environments and thrives on wet surfaces.
Familiar areas where mold can be found are bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, or areas prone to dampness or leaks.
It is essential to call us for having it professionally inspected and, if necessary, remediated.
Taking these steps will help protect your family from the harmful effects and exposure of mold around AC vents.
