Are you having health issues and suspect mold in your air ducts? First, don’t panic! Mold has a really bad reputation and people tend to assume the worst when initially finding out about a mold issue in their home. Don’t get us wrong, Mold can cause serious health symptoms and problems, however, this often depends on various contributing factors and is never just as simple as “having mold”.
The amount of mold and time of exposure can play a big role in those symptoms and health issues. Mold within an HVAC system can impact the indoor environment in significant ways. More so than visible mold growth on surfaces in the home, mold found in the airflow of your home’s system can be a serious problem.
If you have reason to believe your health is at risk do not hesitate to first contact your doctor or health care provider and follow their advice.
Second, a mold inspection and remediation plan is a must. Consider calling Bio Pro for a mold inspection and deactivating the system until the mold is removed. Depending on how you’re being impacted, continuing to use the device can increase the risk of affecting you and/or your family’s health.
What to do if you suspect mold in your HVAC system
If you suspect mold in your HVAC system, there are a few things you can do:
- Inspect your HVAC system. Look for signs of mold growth, such as black or green spots on the ductwork, coils, or drain pan. You may also notice a musty odor coming from your HVAC system.
- Have your HVAC system inspected by a professional. Bio Pro can identify the type of mold in your HVAC system and assess the risk to your health.
- Have your HVAC system cleaned by a professional mold remediation company. Mold remediation companies have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold from your HVAC system.
Is HVAC Mold A DIY Situation?
Mold growth on the interior of your HVAC system can often exceed the skill or comfort level of the average homeowner and professional help is needed. Unless you’re comfortable with opening the air handler cabinet, removing the blower or other components as needed, correcting an interior problem can be challenging.
Ductwork can be vacuumed and treated from the interior, but only as far as your equipment will reach. If the ductwork is impacted beyond a few feet, you may have it professionally cleaned or replace it. This is especially true of duct board type ducts that are composed of fiberglass filaments that can hold onto mold even after cleaning. On average, flexible duct work only has a 20 year life span before it begins to deteriorate.
How to remediate HVAC mold
The process of remediating HVAC mold varies depending on the severity of the mold growth. We encourage hiring a professional licensed HVAC contractor that can all sanatize ductwork according to approved standards of the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association).
Here is the general steps of remediation:
- Isolating the affected area. The first step is to isolate the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores. This may involve sealing off the ductwork or removing the moldy components of the HVAC system.
- Removing the mold. Once the affected area is isolated, the mold can be removed using a variety of methods, such as brushing, vacuuming, and cleaning with a mild detergent solution.
- Cleaning the HVAC system. Once the mold has been removed, the HVAC system should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining mold spores. This may involve using a disinfectant solution and/or a professional cleaning system. Inspecting the HVAC system. After the HVAC system has been cleaned, it should be inspected by a professional mold inspector to ensure that the mold has been completely removed.
- We suggest a Clearance Test after mold remediation to verify the mold has been eliminated.
- Adding UVLight to the air handler to help to keep mold from forming. This light needs to be replaced every year.
Professional mold inspection
It is important to have your HVAC system inspected for mold by a professional mold inspector. A mold inspector has the training and experience to identify the type of mold in your HVAC system and assess the risk to your health. A mold inspector can also develop a remediation plan to safely and effectively remove the mold from your HVAC system.
Don’t be afraid to Seek Out Professional Mold Remediation Services
Many homeowners tend to find mold in their HVAC system unexpectedly and after it has grown out of control. Whether the mold is discovered by accident or during maintenance, it is always a good idea to get an expert mold removal specialist’s advice on how to tackle the problem. Mold can grow in hard to reach areas that sometimes require a mold remediation expert to minimize the damage and costs with their special tools and techniques. Some scenarios require the use of an HVAC contractor, a duct cleaner or coordination of multiple specialties to adequately resolve the problem.
Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your HVAC system:
- Keep your HVAC system clean. Regularly clean the ductwork, coils, and drain pan.
- Flush drain line with vinegar monthly
- Control moisture levels in your home. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Under 60% is the ideal humidity level.
- Fix any leaks in your home. Leaks can create the perfect environment for mold growth.
- Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a professional. A professional can identify any potential problems with your HVAC system and recommend solutions to prevent mold growth.
Mold in your HVAC system can be a serious health hazard. If you suspect mold in your HVAC system, it is important to have it inspected and cleaned by a professional. Call Bio Pro for a mold inspection for Mold Made Simple!