In this blog entry, the professional Chicago air vent sanitizing service and Chicago ductwork cleaning service team here at EmDuct will detail the most common signs of mold in air vents.
The Danger of Mold In Air Vents
Mold in air vents can be highly dangerous, especially black hold, which often occurs when there is an nexcess of moisture. Inhaling all types of mold, but especially black mold, can cause serious health problems like breathing issues, fatigue, nausea, and exacerbate health issues especially in those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. Mold infestation in air ducts can cause mold to travel through the air and land on other surfaces where they can quickly grow and multiply under the right temperature and moisture conditions. Mold inside air ducts can also drastically lower the energy efficiency of your home by reducing your ductwork’s air flow. Only through professional air duct cleaning can you reduce the spread of mold and maintain optimal airflow at your property.
What are the main signs of mold in air vents?
- Musty, Bad Odors– A earth-like, dirt-bike, and musty smell near air vents is usually the first sign of mold that people notice. The smell is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) getting released from mold as it continues to grow. The bad odor will seem to get worse when your HVAC system, air conditioning, or heat are running. If you ever detect this smell, schedule professional air duct cleaning right away.
- Visible Mold– This often looks like fuzzy or dark spots or patches growing on air vent covers, inside air ducts, or on HVAC parts like air filters and drip pans. This mold can be a range of colors including brown, white, green, black, or a combo of colors – depending on what type of mold it is and what its general environment is.
- Black Particles– If you notice black particles or dust coming from your air vents when the system is running, it’s likely due to mold contamination. These particles are a mixture of mold spores mixed with dust, and are very unhealthy to breathe – and can even exponentially worsen your property’s mold issue as it spreads and continues to grow. It requires professional air duct cleaning and sanitization in order to address it.
- Health Issues– Mold in air ducts can cause health symptoms, which are worse for those with respiratory issues or the elderly. These include respiratory issues like coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing; allergic reactions like runny noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes; skin rashes or itching; or even chronic nausea, tiredness, and fatigue. If any of these symptoms get better when you leave your house, it’s likely due to the presence of mold in your HVAC system.
- Humidity– Mold and dampness, an intense indoor humidity can cause fast mold growth. Use a dehumidifier to reduce general humidity levels under 50%.
- Leaking Water – Leaking water or condensation in your HVAC system creates a breeding ground for mold to grow fast. Poorly insulated air ducts can cause moisture to rapidly pool and accumulate, and the same can be said for broken or malfunctioning nHVAC components or leaking pipes.
- High Energy Bills – Mold often blocks airflow in your ductwork by covering up duct surfaces, evaporator coils, or filters. This makes your air duct system work harder to push air through vents, which causes it to become more inefficient and spend more energy. If your energy bills suddenly shoot up without any clear cause, it’s a good idea to have our HVAC system professionally inspected for potential mold contamination.Bad HVAC System Performance– The growth of mold in your HVAC system can cause the system to get worse at efficiently heating or cooling your home. Mold can cover up evaporator coils creating a blockage that prevents efficient cool air or heated air exchange, potentially even knowing your ductwork’s ability to remove humidity from the air. Oly by regularly maintaining and professionally cleaning your air ducts can you break this vicious loop and truly protect your interior air quality.