Mold in air vents may cause inconvenience to homeowners and property management companies because of their negative effects on a house, apartment, or condominium unit. To make things worse, mold is especially hard to remove from vents because of the hard-to-reach spots in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
In this blog post, we will explain what mold is and why it tends to grow in air vents. Let us share the telltale signs that the air vents of residential property have molds. We shall describe the adverse impact of mold on the condition of a home, as well as on the health of people. Last but not least, we will enlighten you on how our mold removal and restoration team in Florida can help you get rid of mold in air vents in Sarasota and other surrounding areas.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a living organism that is considered a type of fungus. As a natural part of the environment, it grows in places where oxygen and moisture are present and abundant. It is commonly found in outdoor settings, where it usually lives in soil, decaying matter, plants, trees, and other moist spots.
However, mold can also grow in indoor locations, such as houses or buildings. It usually spreads in the areas where the moisture accumulates through leaks and flooding. The most well-known indoor molds are Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium.
Mold usually spreads on wooden walls, carpeted floors, shingled roofs, ceiling tiles, and insulation materials. Other household objects that may also be affected by mold include wallpaper, upholstered furniture, fabrics, paper supplies, leather clothing, and food items. Finally, it often thrives in the air vents of residential properties.
Why Does Mold Tend To Grow in Air Vents?
Mold tends to flourish in air vents because it is an environment that is conducive to the growth of different mold varieties. After all, HVAC systems are typically dusty, dark, and quiet inside. Since the dust already contains organic matter where the mold can begin to breed, the fungus will especially thrive once the moisture or condensation becomes excessive. Stachybotrys chartarum, which is popularly known as black mold, is a common type of mold that may be found in the air vents of HVAC systems, although other mold varieties may also manifest in these vents.
What Are the Signs of Mold in Air Vents?
Let us enumerate the basic signs which will alert homeowners that there is mold in the air vents of their HVAC systems:
Sign No. 1: Fusion of Cool and Warm Air
One of the early signs of mold in air vents is the merging of cool air and warm air. The combination of air with different temperatures usually triggers the growth of mold in air vents since it causes the AC ducts to become sweaty and moist.
Sign No. 2: Buildup of Mold
Whether it is instantly obvious or not, mold will begin to build up in the HVAC system. Likely, a type of allergenic mold called Cladosporium will first manifest itself in the air vents. Afterward, it may potentially be followed by the growth of other variants of mold called Penicillium or Aspergillus in the AC ducts.
Sign No. 3: Musty Aroma
Even if the mold is not yet noticeable, the musty smell that emanates from the air which comes out of the vents is an indicator that mold is present in the HVAC system. Stachybotrys chartarum has an earthy, pungent aroma that is typically stronger than other mold variants. Its scent is similar to the smell of wet, decaying leaves.
Sign No. 4: Visible Black Spots
The appearance of black spots or dust on the surface of the air vents is a visible sign that mold is growing inside the HVAC equipment. The slimy, moist spots are typically hard to remove by ordinary wiping and cleaning methods.
Sign No. 5: Spreading of Mold
If the performance of the HVAC system is affected because of the mold, the humidity levels in the home will become unbalanced. The mold will become airborne once the humidity exceeds 60%. As it spreads throughout the home, mold will start to grow in other areas and objects in the house.
Sign No. 6: Physical Symptoms
While some mold issues are obvious because you can see and smell the fungus, there are situations when mold is deeply hidden inside the air vent. In such cases, residents of the house will only suspect the presence of mold once they experience physical symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.
What Are the Negative Effects of Mold?
Mold can play a productive role in nature in outdoor settings since they help decompose organic matter like dead trees and rotting leaves. In contrast, mold is considered a troublesome organism in indoor settings, especially in residential properties. We will discuss the two main adverse effects of mold in air vents which can contaminate the other sections of the house:
Negative Effect No. 1: Structural Damage
The widespread growth of mold which originates in the vents of an HVAC system may compromise the structural integrity of the house. It could gradually cause damage to the wooden beams and ceilings of the property. It may also eventually result in the deteriorating and weakening of the walls and floors of the home.
Negative Effect No. 2: Health Risks
The physical symptoms which we mentioned earlier are usually rooted in health conditions, such as allergies and asthma. Mold may increase the risk of individuals and families experiencing these health issues. After all, mold colonies release spores and even toxins in the air which people may inhale.
Remove Mold in Air Vents With the Help of Ally Restoration
Mold should be removed by professional experts because DIY solutions only serve as a superficial, temporary fix to the problem. As the premier mold removal and restoration team of Sarasota, Ally Restoration can help you to effectively, permanently get rid of mold in air vents and HVAC systems in your Florida home or residential property.
Call us at (941) 413-3316 to get a free in-home estimate. Send us a message to schedule an appointment with the Ally Restoration team for first-rate mold removal services.