Is There Mold in My Air Ducts?
Mold is never something homeowners want to deal with. But even if you’re keeping a sharp eye out for it on your ceilings or walls, you could be missing dangerous particles growing in hidden places like your air ducts. Know the signs and how to eliminate unseen mold in air ducts using our tips below.
Signs to Look For
You may not be able to see air duct mold, but chances are you’re feeling it. There are several signs to watch out for, including:
- Odor: A musty, wet, or rotten smell is a clear indicator of mold. If you notice the smell diminishes when your HVAC system isn’t running, it’s likely the air ducts are the source of the problem.
- Allergy-Like Symptoms: Mold in air ducts can spread through the air, causing irritating symptoms in people and even your pets. Abnormal coughing, nasal congestion, headaches, or wheezing when the AC is running are all signs of mold exposure.
- Mold Around Vents: Mold inside your air ducts will eventually make its way out and around your vents. Check for growth near your vents (generally black or green in color) as it could be a sign there’s a bigger problem inside.
Any of these issues are signs you need professional air duct cleaning, but the last one is especially serious. Since mold spreads through tiny spores, once it becomes visible to the naked eye it means the infestation has grown exponentially.
Why You Need a Professional
Mold can be dangerous, even triggering illnesses in people and pets, so it’s not something you want to attempt to eradicate yourself. Ordinary household cleaners aren’t effective enough to fully eliminate mold, and you could potentially damage your air ducts if you’re unfamiliar with what to look for or how to treat it. At the first sign of possible mold in your air ducts, turn off your HVAC unit to limit its spread. Then it’s time to call in the professionals.
Air duct cleaning services are regulated by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), which requires specialty training so cleaners are fully familiar with the system and know how to clean mold, dispose of clean-up materials properly to stop spread, and prevent future occurrences. Avoid hiring any company that doesn’t adhere to such guidelines.
Trust the Best in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
At Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating & Air, our air quality and HVAC experts follow these regulations to provide leading duct cleaning services. We use EPA-approved products and methods to effectively remove mold so you can trust your air duct system will be cleaned the right way the first time.
If you suspect you have mold in your air ducts, don’t risk your family’s health. Call Schneller Knochelmann today at (859) 757-1877 in Kentucky or (513) 407-4424 in Ohio for fast service in Cincinnati, Covington, and the surrounding areas.