Unless you can actually see mold in the vents, it’s hard to know for certain if any exists without proper IAQ testing. Regular air duct cleaning is recommended no matter what climate you reside in. The EPA recommends cleaning your air ducts thoroughly every 5-10 years. The frequency of this only increases if you have pets, allergies, etc. If mold particles have been circling around in your air conditioning unit, there is a good chance that you’ll have mold in the vents.
Mold spores tend to be airborne and can blow from one area to another inside your home. Moist, warm environments are ideal factors for mold growth. If moisture is present, then mold can actually flourish inside of your vents. So what can you do to rid your home of this problem? Allow the experts at Mission Restorations to be your guide.
Removing Mold in the Vents
The removal of mold in the vents can pose a serious challenge. You could kill mold in the vents with a mixture of one cup of bleach per gallon of distilled water. However, the chances of this fixing the problem are not too good. This method will most likely not be able to reach the mold located deep inside the duct work. So here’s what we recommend:
- Hiring a solid mold tester to come and do an inspection. It’s best to have a professional do this to save you time and grief and to ensure it gets done right the first time;
- Identify the main cause of the mold. Damp and moisture-rich areas are major sources of mold growth;
- Inspect the insulation surrounding the duct work. This material may need to be replaced if the mold in the vents has extended into the insulation;
- Call a trusted mold removal and remediation team. This is your best bet for removing mold in the vents.
According to the U.S. EPA, you should have your HVAC system routinely inspected for both mold and moisture. To prevent moldy vents from developing in your home, use of a HEPA filter in your AC unit, is a recommended maintenance practice.
Mold in the HVAC System
If you are consistently getting complaints of mold, here are a few tips to provide your HVAC contractor:
- Turn off the HVAC; Make sure all involved with the cleaning are wearing a protective respirator;
- Replace all filters or insulation that has gotten wet;
- Use a wet vacuum to clear out any standing water that still remains;
- Fog the area with an EPA registered disinfectant;
- Apply mold inhibitors to all components of the HVAC system;
- Use a HEPA vacuum to clean up afterwards.
Mold is very sneaky and can infiltrate a building completely unnoticed. The prevention is always a better solution than the cure. Remove the moisture and food that mold thrives on and the mold disappears. Should you find yourself in need of services, contact your #1 choice for Charlotte mold removal and remediation.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
