The ductwork running throughout your home is a vital component of your HVAC system. These ducts are responsible for the transfer of cool or warm air in order to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. However, because these ducts accumulate moisture, dust and dander over time – they can become the ideal place for mold. Mold is a type of fungus that spreads through spores and requires moisture and nutrients to grow. If mold starts growing in your ducts, it can worsen your indoor air quality and even lead to allergic reactions and the triggering of asthma symptoms. Luckily, the team at Acree Plumbing and Air knows a thing or two about what you can do about mold in your ducts.
How to Tell if Your Ducts Have Mold
- Mold growing on your vents or registers.
- A consistent musty odor.
- A leak in the past that wasn’t handled appropriately. The moisture might have led to mold growth.
- Ducts are clogged with excess dirt and dust. To check if your ducts are clogged, unscrew one of your vent register plates, get a flash camera and stick it in the ductwork to get a photo. If the photo shows several large dust bunnies and dirt, you might want to call a professional.
- If you hear a consistent scratching in the walls or ceiling, pests might have made their way into your ducts; mold might attract certain types of insects or pests.
What to Do About Duct Mold
If you feel like you have a mold problem in your ducts, you must contact an HVAC technician and schedule a proper duct cleaning service. Professional duct cleaning can kill germs and other bacteria, remove mold and mildew, and remove any foul odors. Ultimately it can lead to healthier and cleaner air. However, before you schedule a duct cleaning service, read this guide by the Environmental Protection Agency. The guide includes some essential facts about duct cleaning. Find out how often you should get your ducts cleaned and whether chemical treatments should be used to clean them. Whenever you hire a service provider for an important task such as duct cleaning, be sure to maintain total communication and transparency with them. The team at Acree appreciates customers who voice any questions or concerns they have!
Pro Tip: Don’t DIY Mold Removal
Whether you have mold in your ducts or anywhere in your home, keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to handle mold removal on your own. Many states have regulations that make it clear that only licensed professionals can test for and remove mold. In addition, mold testing kits available at home improvement stores have been reported as unreliable and should be avoided.
Clean Your Ducts with the Pros at Acree
If you think your ductwork has become clogged with dust, debris or mold, get in touch with the pros at Acree Plumbing and Air for high quality duct cleaning services! Call us today at (813) 530-9061 or fill out a service request form on our website!
