If you want to know the signs of black mold in air vents or mold in air ducts symptoms, then this guide is exactly what you need.
There can be no doubt that a well-running HVAC system can be one of the most beneficial things for many homeowners all around the world. These systems are designed to keep homes at the absolute perfect temperature, ensuring that you’re able to enjoy a comfortable atmosphere without having to use an insane amount of energy as you would with other forms of heating and cooling.
However, while these systems are certainly incredibly efficient on their own, they must be provided with the necessary maintenance to continue working properly year after year.
One of the most common issues that these systems tend to face will be the growth of mold throughout their vents and air ducts, which is not only an unpleasant idea, but can pose a serious health risk, particularly for individuals who already suffer from breathing issues such as asthma.
Mold tends to grow after a certain amount of moisture collects in the air vents over time, feeding off of the dirt, dust, and even animal dander that’s collected in your ducts over the past few months. It’s a fairly common issue that many homeowners will have to deal with at one point or another.
However, there are specific signs that you can look out for that will give you a heads up that you have a mold problem in your air vents or air ducts so that you can have it taken care of straight away. Here are a few of the signs you should be familiar with whenever you have an HVAC system in your home.
Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents (Mold In Air Ducts Symptoms)
A Strong Smell of Mildew
Have you been constantly smelling mildew throughout your home, but can’t seem to find where it’s coming from? Well, it may very well be that the smell is actually in the air itself. Often, when mold builds up in the air ducts, the smell will become very apparent as air is pushed through those ducts and into your living space. The moment you start to notice this very particular odor without an obvious cause, the first thing you should do is find a quality HVAC team to come in and investigate your HVAC system, as they’ll know exactly what to do to get it taken care of quickly. Don’t worry, the smell will almost instantly vanish once the mold issue is addressed.
Itchy Eyes and Throat
If you start to notice that every time your air conditioning switches on you suddenly end up suffering from itchy eyes and an itchy throat out of nowhere, then there’s a very good chance that mold is to blame. Mold is a natural irritant and can cause a harsh and immediate impact when it comes in contact with your body. When your HVAC system pushes these particles out into the area you’re in, you will undoubtedly be breathing it in over and over again which can cause these kinds of effects.
Unexplained Headaches
When you’re inside of your home, are you and your loved ones all suffering from strange headaches that miraculously seem to vanish once you’ve all stepped outside? This is a clear sign that there’s something wrong with your HVAC system. These molds can have a serious impact on your overall health and constantly inhaling them day in and day out can even cause more serious symptoms such as headaches or even what may appear to be allergy-like symptoms such as a runny nose and rashes.
Whenever you start to suffer from the unknown and previously unheard of issues, make sure that you have a professional team come in to address the cause as soon as possible. That way, you can get back to living in a comfortable and safe home before you know it.
Feeling Nausea and Fatigue
Do you constantly feel like you have a stomach bug and like the only thing you want to do is sleep while you’re at home? This might be more than just a simple upset tummy. In fact, these symptoms are another warning sign that you may have a mold problem in your air ducts. Again, different molds can have different effects on the body with different ranges of severity. However, the moment you start feeling ill every time you walk through your front door, it’s something you’ll need to address as quickly as possible.
Noticing Mold or a Strange Discoloration Growing Around Your Vents
Have you started to notice something odd growing around your air vents that you have to keep cleaning over and over again? Then, the problem probably isn’t just with the vents themselves. The most likely cause of this discoloration will actually be the mold itself growing far into your ducts which is being pushed up against your vents causing this unfortunate discoloration. While cleaning off your vents will certainly be essential, the problem will continue to return until you take care of it at the core.
Whenever you find yourself dealing with a serious mold issue, your DIY skills will only be able to take you so far. In fact, the best thing you can do in these situations is to call up a professional HVAC service who will use all their skills and knowledge to get your ducts mold free in no time. Make sure you call an experienced and respected team so that you can be sure that you’ll receive the expert care that you really need in this sort of situation so that you don’t end up calling over and over again for the same problem.
In the meantime, however, there are a few preventative steps that you can take to help ensure that this mold doesn’t thrive in your HVAC system for months at a time. The first thing you should do is make sure you’re replacing your system’s filters at a reasonable rate. Most filters have a specific lifespan that they are recommended for, so make sure that you remember to replace them within that time. Another important step that you can take is to insulate your air ducts. Mold needs moisture and humidity to grow, and insulating your ducts can help ensure that excess water doesn’t make it into your system at any point.
Another step you could take if you know that you live in a particularly humid area will be to invest in a quality dehumidifier. These handy little machines can help ensure that you have no excess moisture in the air which could result in mold growing within your ducts as it’s moved around. Finally, make sure you’re checking your ducts regularly. If you’re able to see the mold before you even start suffering from any of the aforementioned warning signs, you can rest assured knowing that it will be taken care of quickly.
Your HVAC system will certainly be one of the most important systems in your home, helping to keep your comfortable day in and day out. However, it can also become a serious issue if you don’t provide it with the necessary maintenance and care. Keep these tips and warning signs of black mold in air vents in mind so that you and your family know just what to look out for when it comes to mold in your ducts starting today.