Mold in Air Ducts: Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Mold is a common issue that many homeowners may not even know they’re facing. We commonly think of mold growth as being relegated to basements or bathrooms, but it can show up in plenty of other places if the circumstances are right. Here we will dive into the reasons you might be dealing with mold, the risks it can pose to you and your family, and how to handle it.

Causes of Mold in Air Ducts

Mold exists all around us, and spores can easily find a way into the home. If there is adequate moisture, warmth, and organic material available, mold can easily colonize. And if your home’s ductwork is not regularly cleaned, it can fill all those needs, and mold can quickly set up shop and start causing issues.

In winter, our homes are often dry, but certain areas of the home–like the basement or crawlspace–could be harboring more moisture. If you regularly use a humidifier or one is built into your HVAC system, then moisture levels could get too high, encouraging mold growth. Leaky or poorly sealed ducts could pick up moisture from these areas in the home, bringing mold spores along with the humid air. Add to this dirty ducts with a buildup of dust, debris, pet dander, and more, and you have the ideal dark, moist, warm environment for mold to take hold. Dirty ducts also restrict air flow, and this lack of disturbance can also make it easier for mold to proliferate.

Poorly cleaned equipment will also naturally harbor mold spores, which would then have easy access to your ductwork. And if your home is older or isn't well ventilated, the drastic temperature change between various areas of the home can lead to condensation in ductwork. This moisture is just one more opportunity that sets the stage for mold growth. Badly designed and installed HVAC ductwork can also end up limiting airflow, allowing debris and moisture to collect, playing a large role in mold development.

All you really need for mold to get going is a few spores and the ideal conditions to grow. Mold spores are always around; it’s up to homeowners to prevent the circumstances that will allow it to invade.

Risks Associated with Mold in Air Ducts

Maybe those constant cold-like symptoms you’re experiencing are actually indoor allergies–it’s worth getting tested. If you're regularly experiencing an increase in these symptoms while in your home, mold could be the culprit:

• Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes
• Asthma flare-ups and breathing problems
• Persistent headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat

An allergist or other medical provider can run tests to see whether you are suffering from mold allergies or another condition. But whether you are or aren’t allergic to mold, frequent exposure to common allergens–like mold–can cause allergic reactions over time. It’s really not worth gambling with your health. That’s especially true if you have children, elderly, or immunocompromised family members, as they may experience worse and more serious health impacts than others. Even if you are typically healthy, constant exposure to mold could have your body working overtime in defense, leading to your feeling “off” or rundown. Duct cleaning is a simple way to clear out a commonly overlooked source of mold in the home and rule out potential health concerns–no amount of mold is safe to live with.

Beyond the risks to you and your family, the circumstances within your HVAC system that make it an ideal place for mold growth can also end up hurting your system. If airflow is blocked by debris or buildup, that can ultimately lead to HVAC components overworking and becoming damaged. That, in turn, could lead to higher energy bills or premature repairs.

Signs To Look Out For

How can you know if you’re dealing with a mold issue in your HVAC system? It may not be obvious to you right away, but here’s what you can look for: 

• Musty or earthy odors when the HVAC system runs
• Visible mold or staining around vent covers or inside ducts
• Increased indoor humidity
• Condensation on or inside ductwork
• Persistent, year-round allergy-like symptoms

Solutions and Prevention for Mold In Air Ducts

The solutions to mold in air ducts begin with routine maintenance and cleaning. This can include regular air filter replacement and annual HVAC unit servicing. Homeowners can also clean coils and drip pans regularly, or schedule this service to be done by their trusted HVAC technician. This will reduce mold sources in the home. Reducing humidity is also a key step, and is often helped by using a dehumidifier year-round in any areas prone to harboring excess moisture. It’s also important to seal up leaks in crawl spaces, attics, and ducts–anywhere that moisture or mold spores can enter ductwork. Lastly, a professional air duct cleaning is vital to ensure that the interior of the ductwork does not provide an ideal habitat for mold growth and proliferation.

DIY or Professional?

Much like when it comes to typical air duct cleaning, it’s easy to think that this is a job that any homeowner can do. But we’d argue that professional trumps DIY any day. Why is that? There are so many reasons, but here’s one big one–without proper products, equipment, and technique, you can actually end up spreading instead of removing mold spores.

Professional duct cleaning companies–like Scrubber Ducts–are NADCA-compliant and use specialized HEPA vacuums, industry-approved disinfectants, and proprietary equipment and techniques that ensure that ducts are clean and sanitized. We use probing cameras to get an accurate picture of what is going on inside of your ductwork. Then we can use that information to build a strategy to clean and remove buildup that could be harboring mold spores. This isn’t a technology that the typical homeowner has available to them, and it makes the process much smoother and more thorough. It also gives customers peace of mind, since they can see the positive impact of the work we’ve done.

Our equipment reaches deep into the far corners of your home’s ductwork, which is impossible with retail products that homeowners have access to. We are also able to apply strong but safe, specialized disinfectants that can eliminate mold spores and stop them from growing any further. Commercially available products are simply not as effective. And as we vacuum away the contents of your ductwork, it is fully contained and filtered, preventing a secondary infestation elsewhere.

One of the most compelling reasons why working with a professional is recommended when it comes to cleaning ductwork is the risk of damage. Professionals know how to treat your HVAC system with care and how to clean it without causing damage. They are experienced and know how to handle issues they may encounter. The average homeowner may be forced to use suboptimal tools, cleaning products, and techniques, and could end up doing more harm than good.

Choose Scrubber Ducts for Superior Air Duct Cleaning in Cleveland

Whether your home is new or older, mold can take hold if the circumstances are right. At Scrubber Ducts, we know that a clean home with good indoor air quality is vital to your family’s health and well-being, but we also know that it doesn’t happen by chance. You work hard to keep your home clean and inviting, but sometimes, the situation is beyond your control. That’s when you need the help of a professional.

At Scrubber Ducts, we’re committed to providing our customers with clean and healthy living environments. Mold is the ultimate enemy. If you suspect mold in your HVAC ductwork, don’t wait–call us today to schedule a duct cleaning appointment! We’re always here to help.