Air Ducts: A Common Location for Mold

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth on air duct

If you get a whiff of a displeasing pungent odor in your Fountain Valley, CA, property, it is a sure sign you may have a mold problem. If know there are no visible signs in areas prone to moisture, that growth may be happening in the air ducts. A cocktail of humidity, poor ventilation, warmth and dust to feed on makes them an ideal location for spores to spread.

Steps To Take

Once you suspect the ducts have been infiltrated, below are essential steps to take to mitigate the problem.

Turn off the HVAC unit. If it continues to run, it means more spores blowing to unaffected areas.
Inspect the tubes or channels and determine what they are made of. Different materials will require different cleaning methods. If they are insulated or have fiberglass, they may need to be replaced.
Contact a mold remediation and restoration company to inspect and assess the damage. Regardless of the size of the business, the HVAC system is complex and often difficult to get to. A certified company will have the tools and expertise to locate, eradicate and mitigate any infestations.

Prevention Tips

Ensuring you have clean ducts is the best way to avoid a black mold problem altogether. Along with general maintenance, the system should be cleaned around every three to five years. Below are other steps to minimize the chance of a colony flourishing.

If you have had mold in the vents before, it is essential to determine the cause and make the necessary repairs.
Strive to keep humidity levels under 60%. If that is difficult to maintain, invest in a dehumidifier.
The heating and cooling system itself is prone to creating condensation and potential leaks. Regularly inspect that drip pans aren’t overflowing and there is no standing water.

Unfortunately, mold is something that easily grows in the right conditions. Staying on top of maintenance is essential to prevent that from happening.