Functional air ducts are essential for any home or commercial business. Air ducts are the mechanism that spreads and regulates air throughout buildings. Without air ducts, we would not have temperature regulation; we would not have air conditioning or heat and we would be breathing stale air. As air ducts circulate the air we breathe, it is important to make sure the air they are moving throughout buildings is fresh and free of contaminants.
Unfortunately, keeping air clean can be tricky as air ducts are the perfect breeding ground for a variety of molds.
Mold In Your Air Ducts
Mold is typically caused by excess moisture. This excess moisture can enter your air ducts if it is a particularly humid day outside and condensation builds up or if you have a leak in your air conditioning unit that begins to grow mold. Air ducts are a great spot for growing mold because they are tremendously dark and it is rare that anyone would disturb it.
Some molds are merely nuisances that just do not look good. Certain types of molds, though, can be extremely dangerous to the health of you and anyone else in the building, such as black mold.
Mold can cause headaches, nausea, breathing issues, and other health problems. Molds in air ducts can be particularly dangerous as they release spores that are then circulated throughout the building into the air that we then breath in.
It is essential that if you suspect mold in your air ducts, you take the proper steps by calling a professional air duct cleaning technician to remove the contaminant and clean the ducts.
So, what are some signs you may have mold in your air ducts? What should you look out for?
Some identifiable signs you may have mold include black dusting, excess moisture, musty smells, or unexplained allergies or health issues. Below, we will discuss these signs and what you should keep an eye out for in more detail.
• Black Dusting
If you notice any black dusting or black spots near your vents, this is a good indication that you may have mold, and black mold at that, one of the more dangerous strains. This black dust will be difficult to wipe off and may feel slimy or moist to the touch.
• Musty Smells
Mold has a distinctive musty smell to it. If you notice a musty smell that gets stronger the closer you are to vents, you may have mold. This smell is also likely to get stronger when you are using the air conditioning or heating unit.
• Excess Moisture
Watch for if your air conditioning unit leaks. This leakage can cause mold to grow which will then spread into your air ducts and throughout the building. Also watch for any other potential causes for excess moisture.
• Itchy Eyes, Sneezing, Scratchy Throat, Skin Irritation
Mold can cause humans and animals to have allergy-like symptoms even when no other allergy stimulant is around. Watch for unexplained itchy eyes or throat, sneezing, skin irritation, or other symptoms.
• Headaches, Nausea, Breathing Problems
If the mold is particularly severe or if you have been around it and breathing in the spores for an extended amount of time, such as with living in a house with mold in the air ducts, it can cause serious health problems that will need to be addressed.
If mold persists and it is not professionally removed, it can even cause neurological problems or become fatal. The elderly, disabled, and children are especially susceptible to its effects.
• Variable Effects
Mold does not affect everyone in the same way, so it is good to pay attention and notice if multiple people or pets are having any of the symptoms mentioned above. The effects of mold in air ducts can also increase with the use of air conditioning or heating.
If you notice that symptoms become stronger when the conditioning or heating units are in use and then symptoms subside when they are not in use, this is a good indication of mold in the air ducts. This is also true if the smell increases as well.
Conclusion
Mold in air ducts can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to keep watch for any of the signs we described above. The best way to get rid of mold in your air ducts is to reach out to professional air duct cleaning technicians. They will be able to identify what strain of mold it is and have the right tools and process to make sure the mold is gone for good.
Keep the air quality in your home clean and free of molds, dust and allergens with Unique Air Duct Cleaning Services in Livonia. We are duct cleaning experts and use the most advanced and powerful duct cleaning system available. Our state-of-the-art equipment and air washing process is able to reach and dislodge all contaminants in any angle or elbow thoroughly and efficiently. Homes throughout Michigan have benefited from our services for more than 25 years.
Our duct cleaning services include dryer vent cleaning that can be done with minimal disruption to your home and busy schedule. When it comes to fighting dirty indoor air and minimizing a real fire hazard from clogged dryer vents, we have what it takes to help everyone breathe easier and feel better in their home. Call to schedule a duct cleaning service today!