Mold in the HVAC system of your home could cause a musty smell. Molds that are commonly found in air ducts can include Chaetomium (also known as Fusarium), Mucor, and Chaetomium. For mold to thrive, it needs three factors: heat, moisture, and food. Mildew thrives in air vents and ducts. For air vent cleaning services in Des Moines, contact Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning.
Signs of mold in your air ducts
A musty, or even foul odor is the most noticeable sign of mold growth in your air vents. A colony of mold will produce spores which spread around your home, feeding on organic matter like dust and skin cells. It emits a strong smell, like that from a wet pet. This can be detected in rooms with air vents.
Look for dark spots or dust accumulation on your air vents. Check for patches of black or green fungus in walls, furniture, and ceilings. This is because the air flowing through your vents will spread the spores throughout the home. If you notice this, it is important to contact Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning who will clean your ducts and inspect them for other issues.
Mold in the air ducts can also cause headaches, runny eyes, sinus congestion, or irritated skin. Inhaling mold-spores can cause these symptoms, which may worsen over time. Mold can grow on air conditioning drip pans and ducts when moisture is produced by the evaporator. Leaky ducts, or connections that are loose can cause water to enter the air ducts. This causes condensation. It is common for condensation to form in humid air. Keep supply and return ducts free of any debris.
Mold in your air ducts can also be caused by slow leaks within the walls of your house. They can create moist and dark conditions within the air ducts that are ideal for the growth of mold. You can prevent this by fixing any leaks, and keeping the supply and return vents clear of obstructions.
You should have your ductwork cleaned regularly to avoid mold growth. However, this may not be possible in older homes with outdated ductwork. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning will inspect and clean your air ducts if there is mold and if we believe there is a reoccurring mold probably, we will provide a special sanitization. For a free quote on air vent cleaning in Des Moines visit our website.
Symptoms of Mold in Your Air Ducts
Black dirt around air vents is an indication of mold. Mycotoxins or mycelia are toxic mold spores that cause black dirt. The spores are difficult to remove and will continue to grow over time. Black dust on furniture, walls, or floors could be a sign of mold.
You may also notice a musty smell in your home, especially when the AC is running. Mycelia emits a musk like aroma which is very unpleasant. The musk smell is also strongest near air vents and areas where moisture accumulates. The musk smell is caused by mold spores in your ductwork. They feed on moisture and dead cells. These spores can cause respiratory issues in anyone when they are released into the atmosphere. This is especially true for infants and small children, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems.
Mold in your ductwork could also cause itchy eyes or headaches. These symptoms may be caused by mold spores or mycotoxins that are released into the air. Your family can then inhale them. These spores are also capable of irritating the mucus tissues in the nose and the throat.
You may be able to remove mild cases of mold from your ducts using a bleach solution (1 to 16 bleach to water), detergent, or dish soap. The vents will need to be removed from the wall or ceiling, then soaked in the cleaner. The vents will also have to be scrubbed thoroughly. You should turn off your HVAC before you start so the spores do not spread.
It’s better to hire a professional Des Moines air duct cleaner with mold removal if you have a serious problem. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning is here to help you! Our technicians are equipped with specialized equipment and high-quality killer agents to eliminate all mold spores from your ducts.
How to Test for Mold in Your Air Ducts
Mold can only thrive in a moist environment, making the dark areas of air vents a perfect place for mold to grow. The spores from the mold are blown in your home when you turn on the HVAC. This can lead to respiratory issues for those who live in your house. These spores may also trigger allergies or even more serious health conditions in people with a predisposition to such conditions.
When your vents are on, you will notice a musty smell. Mold growth is responsible for the musty or foul odor coming from your air vents when they are turned on. Mold testing kits are the easiest way to test. Most hardware stores sell these kits, which are inexpensive. It is important to remember that DIY mold testing is not as accurate as professional assessments and can sometimes result in a false negative. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning provides the best professional duct cleaning service in the Des Moines IA.
Air ducts with black mold are dangerous for everyone. However, it is particularly hazardous to infants, young children, the elderly, people who have compromised immune systems, and those with chronic respiratory issues. Mold spores inhalation can lead to cold-like symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and nausea. Report these symptoms to a professional immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.
When to Call for Air Duct Cleaning
Call the professionals if mold grows on your vents or ducts. It’s one of the common signs your ducts are dirty. A Des Moines vent cleaning service can help. Contact Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning today!
Mold that grows around or on a vent will release spores in the air circulated within your home. Inhaling these spores can cause respiratory issues. Mold in air ducts can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea or an itchy throat and nose when you use the AC. Keep your ducts clean and dry to avoid mold growth. You should also check your ductwork for leaks, which can cause moisture to accumulate and lead to condensation.
Cleaning your ducts can reduce the amount toxic and pollutant air in your home. Contaminants can include paint fumes or tobacco smoke. They may also be mildew and rodents or insects trapped in the ductwork. Even after opening windows and using air fresheners, these odors may be trapped in your home.
Air duct cleaning Des Moines IA can also reduce your risk of having asthma attacks or other health problems. Mold spores are a trigger for these conditions and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like asthma or hay fever.
Summary
EPA’s Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? provides an excerpt on duct cleaning and mold which follows, please review the entire document for additional information on duct cleaning and mold. Mold can easily grow on your air vents or in damp and cool areas. Mold in air ducts is usually easy to detect because of the dark stain and foul odor. If you can’t remove the mold on your own, hiring Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning will ensure that the problem is dealt with thoroughly and permanently. We can also address the root cause of the issue and prevent it from returning. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning is guaranteed for six months, so call us if you have mold problems again.