Mold in HVAC Systems: Causes, Prevention, and Control

Mold is no small matter. It's hard to detect, hazardous to your loved ones, and grows in the blink of an eye. Quick action and professional help are often the best ways to free your HVAC systems and home from mold. Here, we understand the reasons for mold in HVAC systems, how you can detect it, what preventive measures you can take, and how you can eliminate it for good.

What Allows Mold to Grow?

One of the main causes of mold growth in HVAC systems is moisture condensation. This issue especially arises during warmer seasons. When cooler air travels through the vents, the moisture begins to condensate, targeting the sides of the ductwork. This dark, moist, and dusty area creates a perfect space for mold to grow.

Faulty sizing of air conditioning systems - when it is undersized or oversized - is another cause for mold. This leads to inefficient operation across the overall framework, triggering condensation issues. Condensed moisture could also accumulate in the condensation line or the drain pain of your HVAC system. Sometimes, even a seemingly small clog may turn this trapped moisture into a full blow mold infestation.

Signs of mold in your HVAC system

Knowing the signs of mold is critical to taking quick mold removal action and keeping your loved ones protected. Here's how to know whether your HVAC system is experiencing mold growth:

• Musty Odor. Mold exists in your HVAC system if you smell a strong mildew-like or musty scent in one or more rooms but can't see any visible signs. This odor is often more prominent around the vent where the mold continues to grow or when the AC is running.
• Unexplained illnesses. Exposure to mold triggers a variety of illnesses. Some of the most common issues include coughing or sneezing, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, stuffy or runny nose, rashes, and itchy eyes.
• Mold around the vents or home. If you notice brown, black, yellow, or green particles around your vents or furniture, your HVAC system might be the source.

Mold spreads like wildfire and often leaves several health impacts. If you notice any health hiccups due to mold, contact us for a professional inspection.

Where Does Mold Grow in HVAC Systems?

The three main locations where mold can grow in your HVAC system include the HVAC ductwork, the indoor unit, and the drain pan. These areas catalyze mold growth by offering the spores just what they need: warmth, dampness, and food. Mold can feed on something as simple as dust, which is why it's critical to keep your HVAC system tidy.

When you turn your furnace or AC on, the airflow causes the spores to spread throughout your house. What's more, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start to grow. If your HVAC is the root cause of mold, it is important to prevent it from targeting the entire house.

Is Mold in Your HVAC Dangerous?

Mold exposure triggers countless health issues. Here are some of the most common dangers of mold in HVAC systems:

• Coughing
• Skin rashes
• Asthma attacks
• Sneezing, runny nose, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions
• Eye irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Fatigue or depression

Mold can even be dangerous to your pets (yes, some pets can have similar allergic reactions to mold as humans). If your loved ones are facing similar symptoms, you may be dealing with a mold issue you're not aware of.

Prevention and Control of Mold in HVAC Systems

Removing mold is not enough. Preventing mold in HVAC after mold remediation is just as important. Here are some measures you can take:

• Reduce condensation by insulating the air ducts
• Replace HVAC system filters regularly
• Invest in a dehumidifier
• Clean the drip pan as often as you can
• Schedule professional mold testing and inspection for accurate detection and remediation.

Mold in HVAC systems is no small matter. It not only deteriorates your AC but also leaves substantial health hazards. If you notice any signs of mold in your HVAC, reach out to us immediately.

How to remediate mold in HVAC ducts

It's natural for most homeowners to DIY their mold problems away. Unfortunately, treating mold in your HVAC is a complex issue that demands technical expertise. DIY often makes it easy to miss tricky mold spots that can later transform into massive mold colonies. Our professional services take a step-by-step approach to ensure mold never makes an appearance again in your house.

• Inspection and testing. We use high-end equipment and air sampling methods to detect the presence of mold in your HVAC systems.
• Preparation of work area. Once we determine the presence and source of mold, we separate the area from the rest of the property to prevent the mold from spreading.
• Mold remediation. This is where we deploy industry-grade mold-removal equipment like HEPA vacs, mold inhibitors, PPEs, and other tools and chemicals to erase any trace of mold.
• Disinfection. We apply professional antimicrobial treatments to remove mold colonies and ensure new ones don't arise.

Once the remediation process is complete, we clean your HVAC system thoroughly and recommend preventive measures for the future.

How Sunbird Carpet Cleaning Pikesville Can Help

Armed with the right equipment, expertise, and experience, our trained experts at Sunbird Carpet Cleaning Pikesville remove every trace of mold in your HVAC systems. Our mold restoration process includes a thorough inspection, professional work prep, mold remediation, cleanup, and sanitation. If you're looking for a mold-removal partner you can fully trust, reach out to us now!