Will Lysol Kill Mold
Lysol does have disinfecting products, including their mold and mildew remover spray. It eliminates mold and mildew stains, bleaches surfaces and kills 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria.
However, this product is intended for bathroom surfaces, so use on air vents at your own risk. The manufacturer does state that prolonged contact with surfaces made from metal, old porcelain or plastic laminate can lead to discoloration.
You can try other Lysol products, such as a disinfectant spray. But these are intended to prevent mold and mildew, rather than kill it. It is better for odor, bacteria and viruses than anything else.
What Is Condensation On Ac Vents Mean
Condensation on your AC vents is caused by humid air in your air ducts. Simply put, when humid air meets cold air, condensation forms. This can mean there is a problem with your AC system or ductwork, among other possibilities.
Condensation on AC vents can mean a lot of things. It could be that your ductwork is not insulated, you leak somewhere, your air filter needs replaced, your sump pump is broken, etc. Your AC unit might not cause the problem. It could be a roof leak or a plumbing leak.
Condensation on your AC vents is more prevalent in the summer because of the difference in indoor and outdoor temperature. The hot air from outside will meet the cold air of your ducts and cause condensation. Too much condensation can drip water into your home and create water stains. That is why it is best to solve the problem as quickly as possible.
How Do You Tell If There Is Mold In Your Air Ducts
Mold infestation usually comes with a musty odor. If there is mold in your HVAC system, you should be able to smell the strange musty odor in multiple adjacent rooms. If the mold problem is quite severe, you should be able to spot the growth around the ducts, in the vents and the other parts of the ductwork.
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What Causes Mold Invasion In The Air Vents And Ducts
A warm area with high water vapor content is mostly prone to mold accumulation inside the ducts. When cold air goes through the duct system, it can lead to the formation of water vapor. With high water vapor content outside of the systems environment, the water droplets will no longer evaporate but are gathered. This accumulation forms the most favorable environment for mold growth. Mold generally gets its nutrition from dirt, pollen, dust, dead skin cells that gather over time inside the duct.
Soot From Candles And Fireplace Smoke
Soot from the fireplace or burning candles in the house for dehumidification is arguably the most common cause of black dust on AC vents.
As you burn wood or candles in your fireplace, they release tiny soot particles that are then inadvertently sucked into the air conditioning system via the AC vents, registers, and grilles. Over time, the black soot particles will build-up within your vents and will bear a noticeably dark color.
Even a gas fireplace can produce soot if the burner ports are clogged causing incomplete combustion of gas. Any small amount of such soot in the house can easily settle around the cool air vents of your AC unit, causing the black stuff. If you do not clean the black stuff regularly, some AC units will stop cooling the house due to clogging.
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Seal Gaps & Schedule Maintenance
Obviously the ideal solution is to have prevented the condensation in the first place. Schedule annual maintenance with Service Champions to ensure that your ducts and system are tight. Sealing gaps and regular maintenance are proven to improve performance and efficiency and lower energy costs as a result.
When it comes to energy efficiency and air flow, the tighter the better. Learn about our signature PureFlow Duct System. Air will not escape, and condensation will not be created as a result. Moisture can be avoided with proper care and repair of your system. Sign up for a home maintenance plan to ensure annual professional inspections for your heating and cooling system.
Important: Ensure that the ceiling stain is from air conditioner condensation and not from a roof leak or plumbing concern. You may also see condensation and water stains around the bathroom exhaust fan for the same reason as the AC vents.
Learn what to do if you find water around the indoor air handler.
When left untreated, condensation can lead to expensive water damage and moldy conditions. If you notice water leaks around the HVAC system, Ask a Champion!
What are those water spots on the ceiling? Does it look as if the vents are leaking?
If you find water or moisture around your HVAC vents, take action fast! Continue reading to learn more about moisture and water damage around your homes AC vents.
Causes Of Black Dust Around Air Vents
If you have central heating, ventilation ducts, and air conditioning system installed in your home, youll likely notice black dust settling around your air supply and return openings especially if you dont clean these air vents and outlets on a regular basis.
Here are the possible causes of black dust surrounding air vents:
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Mold In Air Vents: Symptoms To Watch For
Black mold in your air vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems. The symptoms may vary from person to person, and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled.
Common symptoms and health problems caused by black mold may include:
- Itchy, irritated eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you suspect that you or someone in your household has been exposed to black mold, its crucial to take swift action to protect your health and remove contamination. Consult a professional to have the mold removed in a safe, effective way and make sure to also consult an AC pro to prevent a future infestation.
Causes Of Mold Growth In Acs
Mold is a type of fungus. Like all living organisms, fungi require three things to grow: oxygen, water and organic matter. Since air conditioners circulate air and the cooling coils tend to create condensation, the first two criteria for mold growth are bound to be present in an air conditioner.
Air conditioners and ductwork also provide the dark spaces where mold can thrive. Add some organic materialwhich can simply be dust and other debrisand you have all the conditions for mold to grow.
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Why You Need A Professional To Remove Mold
Hiring a professional to clean may seem like an unnecessary expense, but technicians can take care of mold and help prevent it from coming back more effectively and safely than you can do yourself.
First of all, scrubbing mold with ordinary cleaners wont make it go away. Regular cleaning products will leave behind enough mold for it to easily grow back. Professionals have the proper equipment to protect themselves and your home or business from not only the mold, but the chemicals they use to clean it.
You could also accidentally damage your HVAC system if you try to clean mold in air ducts yourself. Professionals know what to look for and how to treat your AC with care. Professional ductwork cleaners have HVAC training, so theyll be familiar with your system and know how to clean it without damaging it. They also use the correct mold growth inhibitor products to prevent it from coming back, and they know how to properly dispose of tools to prevent contaminating other areas.
Learn more about professional duct cleaning services:
Why Your A/c Vents Have Water Stains Around Them
So why are you seeing these ugly stains around your vents in the first place?
Water stains around your air vents are caused by condensation. Heres an easy way to think about it: You know those little drops of water drops that form on a cold glass on a hot afternoon? Thats condensation, and basically it forms when warm air touches a cold surface.
The same process happens in your ductwork: Condensation forms when warm air from your attic meets the cold air from your air conditioner.
These little drops of water drip onto your ceiling, which eventually rots and discolors your drywall over time. In addition to being an eyesore, leaking water also damages your drywall and homes insulation.
And because Florida air contains a high amount of moisture to begin with, Tampa homes are especially susceptible to condensation problems with their ductwork.
Lets take a look at what causes condensation in your ducts…
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Protect Yourself When You Remove Mold In Air Vents And Ducts
When removing mold from vents, you will need to have some specific tools on hand. A face mask with a HEPA filter is a necessity to avoid the spores entering your nose and mouth. You will also need some bleach, water, and tools to reach the insides of the vents. You will want to make sure that the electric to the furnace or air conditioning system is shut off before beginning your task. A long, flexible mop or sponge is needed to spread the bleach solution inside vents. Allow the ducts to dry thoroughly before turning the system back on.
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.
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Wipe Ac Ducts And Vents With Bleach
Now, mix a cupful of bleach with a gallon of water in a large bucket and use the bleach solution to wipe the duct openings, blades, and the inner parts of the vent openings. If youre venting your portable air conditioner with window ducts, remove them and clean them thoroughly before refitting them back.
Condensation Can Cause Expensive Damage
The problem with condensation is the water damage that can happen over time if you dont take care of the underlying cause.
Depending on the source of the moisture and and how long it accumulates, you can end up with damaged ceilings and walls, as well as damage to the insulation lining your HVAC ducts. In the worst case, you could end up with mold growth. And thats nothing to fool around with because it can make people sick.
So, here are some tips for troubleshooting the cause of condensation on your AC vent, and what steps youll need to take care of the problem.
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Signs You May Have A Mold Infestation In The Ductwork
The unmistakable signs of mold in the air ducts include:
- Moldy or musty odor throughout the house or in one or more rooms. The odor may become stronger when the air conditioner runs.
- Black mold is visible around the air vents, ducts, or in the air conditioner drip pans.
You may also experience health effects. The long term effects of mold exposure on your health can be unpleasant, even dangerous. A black mold infestation in your air ducts can cause several of the following symptoms:
- Allergy-like symptoms such as watery eyes or itchiness in your eyes, irritated sinuses, runny nose, and/or throat irritation that often gets worse when the air conditioner runs.
- Headaches when you are home but nowhere else.
- Nausea, fatigue, or dizziness when you are home.
Mold The Stubborn Intruder: What Is The Cause
In most cases, homeowners can most efficiently remove the mold form visible areas. However, molds spread through spores, and the presence of a small colony can lead to a re-infestation in no-time. Mold problems in HVAC systems and subsequent air ducts occur due to humidity and water accumulation in the system. Unless you find out precisely what is responsible for the growth in the first place, you might find yourself fighting a losing battle.
The DIY solutions are only suitable for minor mold problems. These are more effective for isolated cases that do not involve the entire ductwork. For example, if your master bathroom or your storage room smells musty, you can try to scrub the particular duct or vent that aerates these rooms. It is very common for some places to gather mold in the ductwork more than the others. Bathrooms are often more prone to mold infestations since there are higher humidity levels, and water almost never dries up completely. There is a high chance of recurring mold growth in the bathroom, and research shows that over 70% of toilets and showers in the urban areas have sneaky mold problems.
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How To Remove Black Mold From Air Ducts And Vents
Removing mold that has begun growing inside air vents can be a challenge. Some experts recommend using ozone, but the CDC and other agencies have warned that this method of removing mold can be damaging to the respiratory system. Mold can be killed with a mixture of one cup of bleach per gallon of water, but chances are good that you wont be able to reach the mold deep inside the duct work of the home. Instead, you can follow these steps to kill mold in air vents:
Step 1: Have the substance you suspect to be black mold tested to be sure that it is actually this type of fungus. You can avoid a potentially time consuming and costly cleanup with this simple test.
Step 2: Identify the main cause of the mold in your home. Wet wall interiors and damp baseboards can contribute to mold. Identify and treating the main cause of mould will ensure the problem doesnt reoccur.
Step 3: Check the insulation surrounding the ductwork. If the mold in your air vents has extended into the surrounding insulation, you will need to replace this material.
Step 4: Clean the interior of the air vents using a professional cleaner who has been recognized by the NADCA. Since improper removal of mold can be a waste of time, and money, you will want to choose someone who has experience and specialized knowledge in removing fungus.
How To Prevent Mold In Air Vents
Of course, the best way to eliminate mold in your air vents is to prevent it from forming in the first place! Want to keep yours as clean as possible? Here are a few steps to take:
- Keep your HVAC ducts clean
- Make sure there is no furniture blocking your air vents
- Clean your drip pans regularly
- Seal all vent leaks immediately
- Use a dehumidifier to balance the moisture level in your air
- Properly size any new HVAC installations
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Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents
In addition to the health symptoms, there are other signs that AC ducts have become infested. Are you experiencing any of the following signs in your home? You might have black mold in air ducts.
- A strong moldy or musty smell in the house. It could be stronger in certain rooms. Also, you could notice the smell more when you turn on the AC.
- You can visibly see mold growing in air vents, ducts, or drip pans. Where this is some, there is probably more.
Mold In Air Conditioners
Mold can grow in many areas in your home, particularly where it is dark and humid. So it should come as no surprise that air conditioners are one of the places where mold can be found. Unfortunately, AC units represent a particularly risky place for mold to grow, since they push air through the house.
This means that a moldy air conditioner will actually blow microscopic mold spores into the air you breathe, spreading the spores throughout the rest of your home. Since mold presents multiple health risks, its important to prevent mold from developing in your air conditioner, and to eradicate it if it does appear.
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Clean The Air Vent Covers
Sometimes the air vent covers can get covered in mold and they should be cleaned. HVAC air vents are also pretty cheap. I think it is a good idea to consider buying new vent covers if your vents are very old, rusted, and moldy.
How to clean air vent covers?
You may be able to just clean it in place with a cloth and disinfectant spray. If you need to remove the vent to properly clean it, they are pretty easy to remove. Its usually just two screws that hold it in place. After removing the vent, thoroughly wash it with a brush and dish detergent. After cleaning the air vent, let it dry. I also recommend coating the air vent with a sealing spray paint such as Kilz which will help prevent new mold growth.
How To Prevent Mold In Future
Once youve taken care of the mold in air ducts, its important to make sure it doesnt happen again. Getting an HVAC preventative maintenance plan is a great way to keep an eye on the mold and keep your HVAC system healthy. It can help prevent the causes of mold by making sure there are no issues that can cause moisture leaks. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and keeps your cooling running smoothly.
Another thing you can do to take care of your HVAC is consider a periodic duct cleaning service. Duct cleaning is usually not included in routine preventative maintenance. Youll definitely need duct cleaning after discovering mold in air ducts, but also consider getting a regularly scheduled cleaning, especially if you live in a humid climate or have trouble with mold that keeps coming back.
You can also consider installing UV light and/or Ionization air purifiers that can kill mold as well as other particles such as viruses and bacteria. Passive systems can effectively destroy particles on surfaces in your HVAC system , while active systems can also destroy airborne contaminants, including odors and VOCs.
If you have issues with mold after taking these steps, its time to look into an underlying cause of humidity in your home or business, which may be accumulating outside your HVAC system:
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