Do the Ducts Have Mold? What Took Place, and How Can It Be Fixed?

Do the Ducts Have Mold? What Took Place, and How Can It Be Fixed?

Air conditioner servicing near you and services for air duct cleaning is vital for maintaining a home. Mold will also be removed by air duct cleaning in addition to dirt, dust, and other debris. Air ducts are perfect for mold to grow if the conditions are right.

They enter through the thin air, settle on a wet surface, and quickly reproduce. According to AC repair experts, mold comes in various colors, its tentacles reaching the surface’s edges.

Types Of Molds

  • Acremonium

A powdery substance in various colors, including white, orange, pink, and gray, represents this type of mold. According to AC repair in Garden Grove experts, it grows there due to the home’s humidifiers, cooling coils, and drain pans.

  • Chaetomium

This mold thrives when there is water damage in homes, such as a leaking pipe, roof, or sink requiring air conditioner service near you.

  • Alternaria

It manifests as a dark green or brown color and thrives in moist environments like around leaky pipes. It is a mold variety that spreads rapidly. According to AC repair in Garden Grove experts, it must be remedied immediately to prevent property damage and health problems.

  • Stachybotrys

According to AC company in Garden Grove, CA, experts, the most hazardous type of toxic mold is black because it triggers allergic reactions and other health problems like a chronic cough, fever, nose bleeds, and excruciating headaches.

What Leads To The Growth Of Mold in a Home's HVAC System?

There are several reasons why mold can develop, including:

  • Your air conditioner is too big
  • The AC is set on a very low setting
  • There are duct system leaks
  • Humidity
  • Condensation
  • Lack of ventilation

Signs That Your Ductwork May Have a Mold Infestation

  • A musty solid or mildewed odor permeated the entire house or at least a few nearby rooms.
  • When you turn on the AC or enter an air-conditioned space, your nose, throat, and eyes become irritated.
  • You have rashes, a runny nose, and watery eyes because you have an allergy.
  • You or your family members experience mysterious headaches that disappear when you go outside.
  • You only experience nausea, fatigue, and vertigo at home.
  • The mold is visible in the intake vents, as well as in the air ducts and drip pans.

DIY Mold Removal

  • Ensure the main switch is off before turning off your HVAC system.
  • After that, take the grills off of your air vent.
  • Create a cleaning solution by dissolving detergent or dishwashing liquid into the water. A teaspoon of baking soda can also be included.
  • One part bleach and sixteen parts water can be used to clean non-porous surfaces. The vent grills should spend 15 minutes soaking in the solution.
  • While you wait, vacuum the area inside the air ducts using a HEPA filter.
  • According to the HVAC repair in  Garden Grove, CA experts, the surface of the air ducts can be cleaned using a solution and a cloth. You might need a mop to clean the deeper crevices inside your ducts.
  • Use a scrub brush to clean the mold, dirt, and debris out of your ducts.
  • Now dry the area inside the ducts with a clean, dry cloth. Ensure no remaining moisture is inside and the area has been adequately dried.
  • The air vent grilles should then be cleaned with water, dried, and reattached using a screwdriver.
  • If the grilles have been used for excessive time, you might decide to replace them.
  • After cleaning, throw away all towels and brushes that had contact with the mold.

Tips To Avoid Mold Issues In Air Ducts

  • Change the filters in the HVAC system.
  • By insulating the air ducts, condensation within the ducts can be decreased.
  • Remember to clean the drip pans regularly. Mold spores can grow in drip pan water accumulations.
  • Seal leaks and condensation. Keep the duct system as a whole dry.
  • AC company in Garden Grove, CA, experts advise exercising caution when approving the use of sealants.
  • Purchase a reliable dehumidifier, then turn it on close to the moldy areas. So, there will be less water vapor in the air, which will hasten the evaporation of water from the ductwork and stop mold from growing further.
  • Examine the ducts frequently. If necessary, hire experts to check your HVAC system regularly for any indication of recurrence.

Conclusion

Have the substance tested by a lab before investing the time and money in cleaning the mold. Try to determine how significant the growth may be if it is mold. If it is extensive, a qualified HVAC professional will probably be required. Suppose our argument has persuaded you that your home would benefit significantly from an air duct cleaning. In that case, you should consider calling Stephan’s Home Comfort Services at 714-894-6500 for air conditioner service near you.