Signs You Have Mold in Your Air Ducts – And What to Do About It
For many of us, our homes are our safe havens. They’re the places where we relax after a long day, where we raise our families, and where we make memories. So, it’s no wonder that we go to great lengths to keep our homes clean and free of harmful toxins. Unfortunately, sometimes those toxins can be hidden in places we would never expect – like our air ducts.Â
Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in wet or humid environments. If your air ducts are full of moisture, it’s the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to your health. Inhaling mold spores can cause a host of respiratory problems, from coughing and sneezing to watery eyes and rashes. Mold spores can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you suspect you have mold in your air ducts, it’s important to contact a professional for testing and removal right away.Â
How Do I Know if I Have Mold in My Air Ducts?
There are a few important indicators that you have mold in your air ducts. One sign is if you sense a musty or mildewed odor throughout your home, even while the air conditioner is turned off. Mold spores may spread through the air and infiltrate your entire home. Another clue that you’re sensitive to mold spores is if you start coughing and sneezing when you switch on the air conditioner or come indoors. You may also have a runny nose, rashes, or watery eyes. Mold spores in the air might also create headaches that go away when you go outside. Finally, at-home nausea, exhaustion, and dizziness may be caused by mold in the air ducts. If you suspect mold in your air ducts, you should contact a professional for testing and eradication.Â
What Causes Mold in Air Ducts?Â
There are several reasons why mold might start growing in your air ducts. One reason is that the ductwork itself is made of organic materials – like wood, paperboard, and fiberglass – that mold can easily feed off of. Another reason is that leaks or holes in the ductwork can allow moisture to seep in, which provides the perfect environment for mold to grow. Even something as simple as high humidity levels inside your home can contribute to mold growth in your air ducts.Â
How Can I Prevent Mold from Growing in My Air Ducts?Â
The best way to prevent mold from growing in your air ducts is to keep them clean and dry. You should have your ductwork inspected regularly by a professional HVAC contractor who will look for signs of leaks or water damage. You should also invest in a high-quality whole-house dehumidifier that will help reduce moisture levels inside your home – and therefore help prevent mold growth inside your air ducts.Â
Mold growing inside your home’s air ducts is more common than you might think – but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Inhaling mold spores can cause serious respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. If you suspect you have mold growing inside your air ducts, it’s important to contact a professional for testing and removal right away. You can also help prevent future mold growth by investing in regular HVAC inspections and a whole-house dehumidifier.
Call and talk to one of our team to discuss your needs. We can help with air duct and dryer vent cleaning services in your home. Call 705-996-4553