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Your HVAC air vent can be the ideal breeding ground for mold.
It can grow alongside the walls of the vent without you ever knowing.
The dryer vent is full of darkness and dampness, which makes it convenient for mold spores to thrive.
Not just to thrive inside the vents but also spread around the house.
While most people disregard continual duct and vent cleaning, one must be safe rather than sorry when it comes to having clean ducts.
Mold in air vents can pose a serious health challenge and may even obstruct the operations of your HVAC.
All it takes is a few mold spores to take advantage of the dampness within air vents, and in no time, they form a burgeoning population.
In this guide, our experts at Queen’s Air Duct Cleaning have listed some of the major signs of black mold in air vents to keep you and your family safe.
If you suspect a widespread infestation, call us immediately.
How To Know If It’s Black Mold
Distinguishing between black mold and regular mold is quite important, especially since the former can be really toxic for your health.
It causes issues like sick building syndrome.
As the name implies, black mold or Stachybotrys Chartarum appears black or dark green.
Black mold generally grows in areas exceeding 90% humidity levels.
It also does not generally grow on metallic surfaces such as those of air vents.
So while there may be fewer chances of your air vent being covered in black mold, it is always better to take preventative measures and get help from an air duct cleaning company in Queens.
Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents
Below are some of the signs that may hint at the presence of black mold in your air vents.
Visible Mold In The Air Handler
The HVAC air handler is the unit responsible for blowing air around the vents.
The handler is the place that is very much susceptible to being targeted by the fungus.
The furnace and handler are full of dust plus dampness that allows this kind of mold to grow and spread.
Most homes have air handlers infested with molds.
And that is why it is essential to have your handlers cleaned.
Black Dust On Air Vents
For this, you may need to open up the vent openings and inspect the vents for any dust.
For black mold, one of the first telltale signs of its presence includes having any dusty material on the metal surface.
At times you will confuse the mold’s dust with regular dust.
However, do not be fooled, for this kind of dust is generally darker and quite harder to take off.
It also stays behind on your fingers.
Even if your dryer vents have regular dust, it can serve as food for the fungus so ensure that your dryer vent and air ducts are being regularly cleaned up.
Musty Smell
A musty odor coming in when your AC is switched on almost always means that there is a fungus in your vents.
It is a warning sign to take action immediately.
You can do a preliminary analysis as well by regularly examining the air vents every couple of weeks to determine whether it reeks of fungus or not.
In case it does, call your nearest duct cleaning service right away.
Fatigue and Brain Fog
While there may be quite a few other causes of fatigue apart from mold in air vents
, you need to consider this as a symptom.
If you are experiencing the above sign, along with tiredness and fatigue, then get your air ducts checked and cleaned immediately.
Otherwise, you risk further deterioration in your health.
Another symptom that can be linked to the presence of black mold is brain fog.
Brain fog involves confusion and lack of focus, so get yourself immediately checked.
Allergic and Respiratory Symptoms
Furthermore, allergic reactions are another major cause of having your HVAC vents covered in black mold.
An itchy skin, runny nose, or stuffy eyes could all indicate the presence of fungus.
It could also be associated with much more serious issues, such as respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.
If you don’t have a history of respiratory infections and develop one out of the blue, chances are that it is time to get your vents checked and book a duct cleaning.
The Bottom Line
If you find any or all of these signs, then it suggests that your vents need cleaning.
Contact us at Queen’s Air Duct Cleaning for any kind of duct cleaning assistance, and we will assist you promptly!
Don’t compromise when it comes to the health of you and your family; get your ducts cleaned today!
If you want more information on the signs of black mold in air vents, here is a detailed video.
