Mold spores are airborne organisms that feed off moisture and decaying materials, like plants and trees. They travel through the air until they land, which is why you can often find mold growth in air ductwork systems.
Cleaning mold from ductwork must be done carefully to avoid spreading them through a ductwork system. The process has many steps and requires a good understanding of mold biology and removal techniques. In this article, we’ll cover the signs mold is present in your ducts, the reason it grows there, and the best way to get rid of it.
Signs There is Mold in Your Air Ducts
Mold can be a serious health concern for you and your family. You should take immediate action to prevent its spread if you’ve noticed signs of mold in your air ducts, including:
- Musty or unpleasant odors coming from your air vents
- Allergies and other respiratory issues that worsen when you are at home
- High levels of humidity in your home, despite regular cleaning and maintenance
- Visible mold growth on the walls of your air ducts
Take steps to prevent mold growth in your home by keeping humidity levels low and cleaning air ducts regularly. Additionally, consider using an indoor air purifier to filter out mold spores and other harmful particles.
Why Mold Grows in Air Ducts
Mold can grow in air ducts due to several factors, including humidity and temperature. When air circulates through ductwork, it can accumulate moisture. The warm, humid air provides a fertile environment for mold growth.
Dust and debris can also accumulate in ducts, offering the perfect environment for mold. Leaks or damage to the ductwork can create moist areas, which encourages mold growth. Continued use of an unserviced or improperly cleaned HVAC system can encourage mold growth in ducts.
Flawed DIY Mold Removal Methods
Most DIY methods of removing mold in ductwork are ineffective and can even worsen the problem. Vacuuming, for example, can remove some surface mold, but it won’t eliminate the spores in the air. Though popular among the DIY community, bleach is ineffective at killing mold and could even make the problem worse.
Home remedies like vinegar, tea tree oil, and baking soda may also seem like a good idea, but they’re not strong enough to combat mold effectively. Air purifiers may improve the problem in some cases, but they likely won’t be able to capture all the mold particles in the ductwork.
Why You Need a Professional to Clean Mold from Air Ducts
If you’re dealing with mold growth inside your air duct system, you’ll need a professional to perform a mold investigation and remediation session. Professionals have the right tools and products to effectively and safely remove mold from your ductwork.
Other reasons you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional to rid your air ducts of mold include:
- Certification: professionals are trained to inspect, identify, and treat any mold problem
- Safety: professionals save you the effort of attempting to remove the mold yourself, which can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous
- Mold prevention: professionals can help prevent future mold growth by providing tips on proper airflow and ventilation, and they can help you improve indoor air quality by cleaning out debris and pollutants
Trust Pure Breathing with Mold Investigation and Remediation
It’s always best to speak with a professional remediation company the moment you suspect mold in your ductwork. Your ductwork system is a complex network, and mold remediation requires specialized cleaning solutions, equipment, and knowledge.
At Pure Breathing, our mold investigation professionals specialize in identifying sources of mold growth in air ducts and remediating it to prevent regrowth. To learn more about our services, contact us today.