Will Regular Air Duct Cleaning Remove Mold
If you have ever asked yourself, “Will regular air duct cleaning remove mold,” the answer is yes. Regular air duct cleaning will rid your HVAC system of mold growth because it will ensure that the system will not be conducive to mold growth.
However, to prevent future mold growth in your HVAC system, mere cleaning will not suffice. You must filter and sanitize the air around your HVAC and home. Professional sanitization rids the air and HVAC surfaces of mold spores that could resettle at a later time to cause another bout of mold infestation.
Prevent Mold In Your Air Ducts With Regular Hvac Maintenance From Aire Serv
If you have mold in your ductwork, its crucial to find out why its developing so the problem can be prevented from occurring again. Your local Aire Serv can identify the root cause and stop mold from re-infiltrating your HVAC air ducts with tools like dehumidifiers.
Our service professionals are dedicated to keeping your homes air healthy and your HVAC working its best with air duct cleaning, installation, and repair services you can rely on.
How We Clean A/c Ducts
Better Air, LLC is a leading duct cleaning company that provides top-notch services to residents of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and its environs. With years of experience, our certified and trained technicians will efficiently and safely remove mold from your homes air ducts in a few hours. We will insert suctioning devices on the climate-control vents and then use vacuuming devices to suction the mold from the air ducts or vents. To ensure that your home is safe, we collect mold contamination from all the hoses and connectors and keep them in sealed bags.
Confident with the services we provide, we offer a 90-day guarantee to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied. Other qualities that set us apart include:
- Customer Satisfaction
- We are members of Indoor Air Quality Association
- Abreast with the latest technology
- Certified by NADCA
Read Also: What Do You Do If You Breathe In Mold
How Do You Get Mold Out Of Air Vents
The best way to get rid of mold on air vents is by hiring a professional. They will adhere to high safety standards, ensuring there are no hazards for them, your family, or your home. Plus, they use the correct cleaners that are safe for your vents, but most effective on mold.
However, if this isnt an option for you, we have some methods that may work in the meantime.
Before You Start
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean The Mold In The Bathtub
Diy Air Duct Cleaning Steps
1. Loosen up dust
If you have visible ductwork , lightly tap the outside with the handle of your cleaning brush. This will help loosen up dust and dirt.
Turn your thermostat to fan and on. Let it run this way for a few minutes. The air will push any dust closer to the registers where you can reach it for cleaning.
2. Turn off your HVAC system
The simplest way to make sure everything is off is via your electrical box. Turn off the breakers associated with your HVAC equipment, including the furnace and AC condenser.
Switch your thermostat to off as well.
3. Remove your vent grates
They may simply pop out. Or you may have to unscrew them first. Once the grates are off, cover the vent opening with a paper towel. If you have vents on a ceiling or a wall, you can use painters tape to secure the paper towel.
Covering the vent opening with a paper towel will prevent dust and debris from entering your rooms as you clean.
If you have different size grates, use a Sharpie to mark the inside with a number. Write the same number somewhere you can see it within the vent. This way, youll be able to easily match the grate to the correct vent later on.
Make sure you also remove and clean the grate on your air return. Its typically larger than the other grates around your home.
4. Clean your vent grates
If your grates are plastic or metal, load them all into your dishwasher and clean them that way. Ensure theyre completely dry before replacing them.
5. Clean your vents
Did You Find Mold Growth In Your Air Ducts
Mold spores are a natural occurrence that can never be fully removed from the environment, but when it builds up to visible mold, it is a problem. Mold can thrive in your air ducts if you have a humid, sultry climate with the appropriate conditions. Mold spores thrive in an environment that is warm and moist, such as an air duct. Mold may develop in your air ducts if you have an excessively wet atmosphere with no ventilation or any space that traps moisture in your walls and causes condensation.
Mold testing can help determine if you have mold in air ducts, but the fungus also gives off a distinct musty odor as mold grows. When your heating or air conditioning is on, you may notice the smell, and it will usually be strongest near the mold development vent. As a result, the scent may not be noticeable throughout the entire house but can still be detected in one particular room. On the other hand, the stench might very well continue to linger in adjacent areas and elsewhere throughout the structure.
Mold in air ducts that goes unaddressed for an extended period will absolutely spread throughout the rest of the HVAC systems. Eventually, you may detect the musty odor in every nook and cranny of your house.
You May Like: Mold In Bathroom Ceiling
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of White Mold On Wood
What To Do About Black Dust Around Air Vents
Whats an even better solution to stopping black mold? Keeping it from ever growing in your air ducts or anywhere in your house in the first place.
You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to prevent mold infestations before they occur. There are a few tactics you can use to stopping black mold from growing in your air ducts and home.
Can Air Duct Cleaning Remove Mold
AdvantaClean
Mold can be one of the most harmful substances inside your home or office, and it is notoriously effective at developing in all kinds of places as long as the right variables are in place all that mold needs in order to grow are the right temperature, moisture level and a source of food. The worst part about mold is that it can grow out of sight, but you definitely shouldnt keep it out of mind! So were glad youre reading this blog post, because that means you already understand the many negative effects that can result from the presence of toxic spores like mildew and black mold in the places where you live and work. You dont want to have to deal with respiratory problems, rotting surfaces within your structure, and other issues that can mean huge bills and other distractions for you, your family and your business. One of the most dangerous places that mold can develop is in your ductwork, because your ventilation system is what supplies you with fresh air to breathe as youre enjoying time with loved ones or working hard on that next project at the office. So if youre wondering, Can air duct cleaning remove mold? keep reading and let us show you why an air duct cleaning from a certified professional service provider can save you a lot of physical and financial headaches, both now and later.
Don’t Miss: How To Control Mold In Basement
How Can You Tell If Theres Mold In Your Air Ducts
As most parts of the air ducts are not visible, it can be difficult to tell if there is mold in your air ducts and whether you need an air duct cleaning service. Lets take a look at some of the most obvious signs that theres mold in your air ducts and that you need to call for professional air duct cleaning service immediately.
- Odors. Mold smells. Most types of mold are usually associated with some type of unusual or musty odor. It usually smells rotten, wet or stale. Its never a good smell. This is usually the first sign that most homeowners notice. Usually, the odor will only be present when youre using your air conditioning or heating system. Once you turn any of these systems off, you should notice a significant decrease in smelly odors.
- Visible mold. This doesnt happen often. Usually, most homeowners will not notice any mold and their home. However, in some worst-case and extreme scenarios, the mold may start to grow out of the vents. Youll start to notice visible mold in the ducts and in the drip pan. This usually happens when the condenser coils become clogged. If you notice any visible mold, you need to call a professional right away for air duct cleaning services. Mold spreads through spores. This means that theres likely a huge infestation by the time that you notice the mold.
Mold In Air Ducts Symptoms
Unpleasant and Musty Odor Releases When the HVAC System is Turned On or Off: A musty odor is the first sign that mold is present in the air ducts. Because the space within the vents is not quite noticeable at first, detecting mold growth by foul odor would be the first approach.
When your air conditioning system is turned on or off, a mildew-like stinky odor should immediately alarm you. Because air circulates through ducts, an undesirable and putrid smell can permeate throughout all of your rooms.
Although a musty odor does not always indicate the occurrence of mold, it does pinpoint the reason for mold formation. Moreover, in general, mold in air ducts is commonly encountered by an unpleasant or musty smell. In many circumstances, you will be able to smell it before you actually see it.
You Are Experiencing Allergy-Like Symptoms: If you experience irritation in your nose, throat, or eyes whenever you turn on your HVAC system or enter an air-conditioned area, the air duct may be contaminated with mold.
Mold spreads by spores, which are microscopic particles that are completely undetected by our eyes. Mold spores can cause health problems to anyone who is subjected to them.
If the air you breathe is contaminated with mold, you might experience headaches, difficulty breathing due to congested nose, irritated eyes, sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Bathroom Sink Drain
How To Clean Mold Out Of Duct Work
Mold in air ducts is a problem no homeowner wants to face. Mold spores inside your air ducts can easily spread throughout your home when the HVAC system is in use. Worse, mold isnt just unpleasant but may be dangerous to your health.
Knowing you have a mold problem isnt always simple, either. Outside of the visual signs you may notice an unpleasant, musty smell when your furnace or air conditioner kicks on.
Below, we explore the risks of moldy HVAC air ducts, the signs you have a problem, and the steps your local Aire Serv® will take to help you keep your HVAC system clean.
Hire A Mold Removal Specialist
While it is possible to remove mold from your air conditioner vents yourself, you can always call in the experts. Hiring an expert will ensure the cleaning is done properly and safely. Hiring a professional mold specialist will also ensure the most specialized tools and cleaners are used to prevent mold from growing back. A professional mold specialist will also address the mold causes and how you can stop them.
For any mold concerns, big or small, feel free to reach out to us at TruClean. We specialize in mold remediation and would be happy to address any concerns you may have.
Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Leather Bag
Is Duct Cleaning A Waste Of Money
Professional duct cleaning is worthwhile. Experts have tools that can reach deep into your ductwork. You wont be able to access all of your ducts with DIY cleaning.
Additionally, duct cleaning companies can identify and remedy potential issues in your ductwork, including leaks or blockages.
Duct leaks and obstructions can damage your overall HVAC system without immediate attention. They may also result in increased utility bills.
Cleaning your air ducts yourself is also beneficial. You can do a DIY cleaning between professional cleanings to keep your system running smoothly.
Connect me with an HVAC pro to clean my ducts.
How To Clean Moldy Ac Vents: Top Diy Cleaning Solutions
Mold in your home is never good. It looks awful, smells awful, and is awful for your health. Generally speaking, mold is either easy to spot or hides where you may never think to look. Wherever there may be moisture, there may be mold.
Of course, it loves to make its home wherever you will have a hard time reaching. Your HVAC systems ductwork and AC vents are a natural place for mold to grow.
Luckily, there are some ways Winchester homeowners can easily deal with it with home remedies.
Read Also: How To Do Injection Molding At Home
Put On Protective Gear
Its not just the mold youre protecting yourself from, but the chemicals in the cleaner as well. When cleaning up mold, the EPA suggests wearing an N95 mask, and the team at HVAC.com suggests rubber gloves, coveralls, and protective eyewear to keep potentially harmful mold spores and other allergens from harming your body.
Change Ac Filters Regularly
Regularly changing your filters is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent dust and dirt from clogging your air vents. When debris is allowed to build up in your air vents, this promotes the accumulation of spores.
Wondering when and how to change your central air conditioner filter? Depending on the type of filter you have and the size of your family, you should change your air filters every 30 to 60 days. If you have a pet, you should change your filters more frequently. Most systems are very straightforward. You can simply remove the filter cover, take out the dirty filter, get the new filter out of its packaging and place it inside.
Also Check: How To Lose Weight After Mold Exposure
Checklist For A Mold Free Home
Heres the checklist for smart homeowners to counter mold in air conditioning ducts:
- Conduct mold testing to confirm an infestation.
- Select duct cleaning methods and costs depending on the duct material type.
- Make sure that the service providers follow the National Air Duct Cleaning Association standards and EPA approved/ registered products for the process.
- Ask for client testimonials and references from service providers.
- Request regular duct inspection to prevent mold buildup.
White Mechanical, Inc.
Founded in 2002, White Mechanical, Inc. in Laguna Hills, CA, is one of the most trusted and licensed service providers, proudly serving Orange County and the surrounding communities. Our management team has more than 28 years of experience in various aspects of HVAC technology. All our HVAC technicians are professionally skilled and certified to deliver outstanding residential HVAC services as well as commercial HVAC services to our clients. We offer professional HVAC services including installation, maintenance, air conditioning repair, and more at very reasonable prices.
You May Like: How Much Is Mold Remediation Cost
Realizing The Cause Of Mold In Air Conditioning
While mold can grow anywhere, air conditioning ductwork provides a nice warm, dark location for growth. Mold requires oxygen and moisture, and it feeds on organic matter and debris. Ductwork has all of these components. Water vapor is created when cold air with a high moisture content passes through warmer ductwork passages. Rather than evaporating and dissipating outside, the vapor collects into water droplets that coat the interior of the duct system. This becomes the perfect place for mold to root. The dust, pollen, dead skin, cells, and pet dander flowing through the air provide an endless nutrition source for the growth.
You May Like: How To Clean Mold From Clothes
Air Duct Cleaning: How To Clean Duct Work
Fortunately, air ducts are easy to clean with the right tools and know-how. A standard air duct cleaning will remove dust and debris from your ductwork. At Aire Serv, we use a four-step process to ensure your air ducts are cleaned thoroughly, each time.
Brushes, whips, and skipper balls are used to dislodge dirt and debris from the air ducts. The debris is then cleared away with a high-efficiency particle air vacuum or a vacuum that expels particles outside of the home or building.
Its important that property owners do not attempt to clean or remove mold from air ducts on their own, as it can be dangerous and may cause more harm than good.
