Dirt Streaks Around Air Vents And How To Prevent Them
If you have air vents installed in your premises, you no doubt have noticed dirt streaking around them. The dirt streaks form ugly marks on walls and ceilings, especially when those surfaces are brightly colored. This will not leave a good impression whether in an office establishment or a residential building.
Whats worse, too much dirt streaks around vents and ducts can indicate that your whole air supply system is not working as it should. For this reason, dirt streaking should not be ignored. Cleanup should not only focus on the surfaces surrounding the air vents, but should also enter deep into your air supply system.
What could be causing the dirt streaking?
Usually trouble shooting the problem will reveal what is causing the dirt accumulation.
First, heavy dirt streaking on a new air vent and duct system could mean that the system is malfunctioning, the installation was not installed properly, or the quality of the air vent and ducts is poor.
Secondly, external environmental conditions could also impact how much dirt goes through your vents, such as if you live in a heavily polluted area. The interior of your room could also be to blame. If your building is dirty, you have dusty carpets, pets that shed fur or sources of smoke such as cigarettes and candles, this might cause faster accumulation of dirt in your vents.
Fourth, humidity in the room will influence how much the dirt adheres to air supply outlets.
How to resolve this problem
How To Remove Mold From Air Ducts
Now that you understand a bit more about mold, its time to talk about removing it from your home. According to the EPA, if the moldy area is a patch around 10 square feet, you should be able to handle the problem yourself. For larger infestations, you will want to consider calling in a mold remediation company. We have some tips if you plan to call in a pro, but the steps below will help you remove small areas of mold around your HVAC system.
How To Identify Mold Inside Air Vents
So, you know somethings going on inside your air vents, but you arent exactly sure what kind of fungal growth youre looking at.
Your first step might be to;research the colour and texture of the mold to narrow down what it could be. However, even then you could get the answer wrong. The only safe and sure way is to hire a mold professional to perform a mold test and thorough inspection of your HVAC system.
Once you know what kind of mold youre dealing with, you can take the appropriate steps necessary to eradicate it.
You May Like: Will An Ozone Machine Kill Mold
How To Get Rid Of Mold
Despite regularly inspecting your system, you are still getting complaints about it , here are some tips you can share with your HVAC contractor for cleaning it up:
Check out these other resources:
How To Treat Mold In Air Vents
So, what should you do when you find mold in vents?
One of the best things you can do to remediate and prevent mold from living in your air vents is to schedule regular ductwork cleaning. We recommend having your ducts cleaned every three to five years.
There are plenty of duct-cleaning companies out there, but a big benefit to having a professional HVAC technician clean your ducts is that they are knowledgeable about indoor air quality products, like air purifiers and dehumidifiers, that can bring year-round comfort to your home.
Also Check: How To Install Vinyl Stair Nose Molding
Insulate All Air Ducts In Unconditioned Spaces
If you have an older home that has uninsulated air ducts in rooms without air conditioned air such as in the attic or in a crawlspace, then due to the temperature differences, these sections of air ducts may be contributing a significant amount of moisture into the air.
It would be a good idea to insulate these air ducts to prevent excessive moisture buildup which may be contributing to mold growth.
I once inspected a garage that had an uninsulated duct going through a garage ceiling. A significant amount of moisture condensed in the ceiling and led to the entire garage getting covered in mold.
A Defective Whole House Humidifier
Many;homes have whole house humidifiers, which are great products that will add needed moisture into the air during the cold weather months.;However, if you have never cleaned the evaporator panel, or if the unit isnt working properly, then whole house humidifiers can contribute a large amount of moisture into your furnace or air duct system which can lead to mold growth.
Always change the evaporator panel or pad every year before usage and make sure that it is draining properly and not adding too much moisture into the air. You can read my full guide on how whole house humidifiers can lead to moldissues here.
Noticing Signs Of Mold In Your Air Ducts
ODORS. An unusual or musty odor is often the first sign of mold in air ducts or in air vents. In many cases, youll smell it before you can see it. If you notice a musty or moldy smell that goes away when you are not using your air conditioning or heating , that can narrow the cause down to mold in your HVAC system.
Mold and mildew in air vents and ducts can smell wet, rotten, or stale. If you notice a recurring problem, particularly in areas with poor ventilation or a lot of moisture, get it checked out right away.
VISIBLE MOLD.;Look for the first signs of mold around AC vents, in the ducts and in the drip pans. Condenser coils pull moisture out of the air and into drip pans, and if these become clogged they create the perfect environment for mold to grow.
Keep in mind that mold spreads through spores, which are tiny particles that are invisible to the naked eye. That means you wont necessarily see actual patches of mold growth right away. By the time you do see a noticeable amount of mold, infestation can be quite serious. At that point, you need professional help to get rid of the mold and make sure it doesnt come back.
SYMPTOMS.;If people or pets in your home start exhibiting symptoms whenever the AC is on, mold in air ducts might be the cause. If theres enough mold in or around the vents, it can spread in the air, causing allergy like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, irritated nose and throat, and itchy eyes.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board
Revisit The User Manual
What is more reliable to consult than the user manual that came with your window air conditioner? If this does not apply to your case, then you can make a quick online search about it and see if theres a soft copy available for your unit.
This is essential in the sense that each air conditioning unit is different. Because of this, it may entail a different approach and will help you prevent mishaps while cleaning. You do not want this to add to your woes, do you?
Make sure to read the important details in your manual particularly the ones which are related to cleaning mold. Your unit may contain specifications that will dictate which of the cleaning supplies and following steps you may not need to follow.
Is Mold On Air Conditioning Vents Dangerous
Mold present on air conditioning vents is unlikely dangerous because the material is usually metal or plastic, which is not porous. Because the vent itself is non-porous, the mold will be on the surface of the register grill only and not present danger.
Cleaning Black Mold From Air Conditioning Vents
Because vents are not porous, black mold in which the scientific term is Stachybotrys does not grow on vents. The mold that may be present on a vent is not generally toxic but can cause an allergic-type reaction such as coughing or sneezing.
However, just because mold is not dangerous when present on the vents, it does not mean mold inside of the vents cant cause occupants in the home harm.
Also Check: What Mold Does To Your Body
What Causes Mold Buildup In Window Air Conditioners
Purchasing the best and most expensive air conditioning unit does not help you escape from the possible mold growth. Molds do not merely thrive in moist areas but also in places with high levels of humidity.
If you are planning to invest in an expensive unit or already have one, be sure to make it serve its purpose. Do not put it aside for a long period of time and let it collect dust. This can get inside the vents and will eventually lead to mold contamination.
Toxic Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents
One of the most disturbing things that you can encounter as a homeowner or tenant is the possibility of your air vents being contaminated with mold.
When I was inspecting homes for buyers, I frequently discovered mold growth inside the HVAC system when I pulled off the front cover.
And since mold needs moisture, darkness, and food to survive and thrive the HVAC system is the perfect breeding ground. If you are wondering about the food source for mold, it is usually in the form of common household dust.
You May Like: What Do You Do To Get Rid Of Mold
Plumbing Leaks Or Exterior Rainwater
You should be on the lookout for leaks from plumbing pipes or from the outside that may be adding moisture to your HVAC system.
During my home inspections, the most frequent cause of water or moisture into the home is from poor exterior grading which means that the ground slopes towards the home rather than away. For the first ten feet from the home, the ground should gradually slope away from the home at least seven inches.
Besides poor grading, its important to make sure that the downspouts drain water away at least several feet away from the home the easiest way to fix this problem is to install downspout extensions.
Use a moisture meter to find leaks
If you suspect that your basement walls has excessive moisture, or that there may be a plumbing leak near the air vent, a very handy tool to use is called a moisture meter. A moisture meter will detect very small amounts of moisture and you can check a large area very quickly.
Find A Good Mold Removal Agent
There are a number of solutions you can use to clean mold. The easiest and most cost-effective is to use household detergent mixed with water.
If you want something a little stronger, combine a tablespoon of detergent with half a cup of baking soda and one cup of water to make your mixture.
Another option is to combine one part bleach or one part borax with one gallon of water. On the other hand, if you dont mind splashing the cash a little, you could purchase a commercial mold removal product.
You May Like: Does Black Mold Cause Seizures
Visible Mold Inside The Air Handler
Besides mold growing on the surface of air vents, it can also grow on the inside of your central HVAC unit and ductwork. Mold will have a darkish or white appearance and it is really hard to mistake it for anything else. Just be sure not to mistake it for drywall dust which is very common with new homes.
You may have a furnace and A/C combo, or you may have a heat pump. Whatever system you have, the HVAC air handler is a central area for where mold can grow and get distributed throughout your entire home.
Why does it grow in HVAC air handlers?
Mold tends to grow in furnaces and air handlers because they are an area where a lot of moisture forms, and they frequently get very dusty . When I was home inspecting, I always took off the HVAC cover, and probably at least 1 in 10 homes had mold growth inside the air handler.
Ready For A Deep Clean
So now you know how to clean vents in your house! Clean air ducts and air vents greatly improve your homes air quality and allow your HVAC unit to operate more efficiently. However, this only works if the air ducts are thoroughly cleaned.;
If you miss any spots or dont scratch off all mold and mildew, more dirt can quickly collect. To skip the hassle of cleaning and be sure the job is done well, consider bringing John C. Flood in to get the job done right. You can call us at 752-1266 or contact John C. Flood certified HVAC technicians online to schedule your cleaning.
Don’t Miss: Who To Contact About Mold In Your Home
How To Get Rid Of Black Dust Around Air Vents
The first thing you want to do is to take a closer look at the black flakes around your air vents and grilles to determine that theyre indeed mold spores. Once youre sure, you first want to make sure you wear surgical face mask to safeguard yourself against potential health issues that might be triggered by inhaling mold spores.
To get rid of black dust around air vents, detach the covers that have the mold and soak them in a bucket full of water mixed with detergent. Clean them for 20 minutes and then wipe with a cloth soaked in a vinegar solution to kill off all the mold and prevent new growth. Refit the AC covers.
Heres the complete procedure to clean and remove black dust on AC vents elaborated:
Why Is There Black Dust/mold On My Ac Vents
Worried about the black dust coming out of your vents?
Youre right to be concernedwhatever the black dust is, its probably not healthy to breathe.
Black dust coming out of AC vents is usually caused by:
- Candle or fireplace soot
- Leaky ducts
- Mold growth
In this blog, well explain each of these causes in more detail, and how you can determine which cause you may have.
Want a professional to fix your black dust issue? Our technicians are ready to help with any AC repairs you may need.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Blankets
How Do You Get Rid Of Black Dust Around Air Vents
Air vents ought to be clean for the air in your house to be pure and safe. But when you see black dust settling around air vents, something is definitely wrong. What could be the cause and how can you get rid of the black particles from the air ducts?
Black dust around air vents can be mold, soot, or dust that combines with moisture to form moldy stuff on air conditioner vents. To remove the black dust, wipe the air vents with a piece of cloth soaked in a vinegar solution and then reduce the dust and humidity in your house.
Regular Filter Changes To Reduce Dust
Its important to change your filter on a regular basis I usually recommend replacing the HVAC filter monthly. I recently did a home inspection where there was mold growing on some of the air vents, and I noticed that the filter hasnt been changed in over a year!
People dont understand that dust is a food source for mold. Dust is mainly composed of dead skin cells which mold loves to eat. As the dust builds up on your air vent, and combined with the natural moisture from the air conditioned air sometimes mold takes hold and grows.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Between Pavers
Why Is There Mold Around The Air Conditioning Vents
Friday, September 21, 2018
The louvered metal grille that directs conditioned air from a duct into the room is called a register, and mold around an air conditioning register can have several causes:
1) If the cold air coming out of the register is too cold compared to the room air, condensate will form on the surface of the register and migrate over to the surrounding drywall. Wet drywall will begin to grow mold within a few days. The register in a bathroom is more likely to have mold growth because the high humidity in the room provides more moisture for condensation.
;; The difference between the room air and cold air coming out of the register is called the temperature differential or split, and more than about a 22º F split can cause condensate to form.;
2) Duct air leakage above the register or at the connection of the duct to the register can also cause condensate to form, even if the temperature split is not excessive, because the air in the unconditioned attic or wall cavity may be significantly warmer. If squirrels or rodents get into the attic, they may ;shred openings in ducts for material to make their nests. Workmen in the attic also occasionally cause duct damage that leads to leakage.
;; Home inspectors like us that have an infrared camera are able to detect duct connection leakage before it causes ceiling problems. The cold areas show up as blue in the bottom photo below of a leaking register connection to duct.
