How Important to Clean Mold in Air Ducts and All You Need to Know about It   If you’ve been feeling unwell for some time or the home smells musty, it’s time to check the presence of mold in air ducts – and get rid of it as soon as possible.   This blog post will tell you everything about mold in air ducts – what it is, where it comes from, and the dangers it poses. We’ll also highlight the importance of hiring a professional to do it.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that can grow virtually anywhere, especially in areas with high humidity and moisture. These include the bathroom, basement, and kitchen. While most mold is not harmful, some types can release spores into the air that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches.   Although mold is generally not dangerous in small amounts, it can produce toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins that can cause severe health problems in people with compromised immune systems. The most common symptoms associated with toxic mold exposure include:  
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Throat irritation
  • Dizziness
  • Skin rashes

How to Clean Mold in Air Ducts

Mold in air vents is also common. This is because the ventilation system provides the perfect environment for mold to grow – dark, humid, and full of dust. If you have a central air-conditioning system, the spores can quickly spread throughout your home, making it difficult to get rid of them.   The best thing to do is to eliminate them as soon as you notice their presence. Here are some steps to remember:  
  • Turn off the furnace or air-conditioning unit, as well as any fans that may be pushing out warm or cool air.
  • Remove the grates and vents from the air ducts. These generally have screws you can take out with a screwdriver or wrench.
  • Once you have access to the ductwork itself, you can begin scrubbing any visible mold growth using a stiff-bristled brush and an all-purpose cleaner. Wear gloves and eye protection during this step because the mold can be harmful if ingested or breathed in.
  • Once you have wiped the mold, clean any filters that may trap additional spores before putting everything back together again.

Hire a Professional to Manage Mold in Air Ducts

When it comes to clean mold in air ducts, it can be tempting to try to handle the job yourself. After all, air filters seem fairly straightforward: just change them regularly and you’re good to go, right?   However, these filters only account for a small percentage of the pollutants in your home’s air-circulation system. That means a lot of dirt and debris is still hiding in those air ducts.   For a clean, fresh-smelling home, hire a professional to handle the job. With specialized tools and techniques designed specifically for cleaning air ducts effectively and efficiently, these experts can get the job done right without causing any damage or disruption in your home.   Plus, they can bring their own high-quality filtration systems to help keep your air fresh between cleanings. So if you’re ready to breathe easy and enjoy the cleanest air possible in your home, it’s time to start looking into hiring an experienced professional for your air duct needs.

How Often Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?

This question doesn’t have a definite answer. Some experts recommend doing so on an annual or semi-annual basis, while others suggest that cleaning them too frequently can actually be harmful to your indoor air quality.   Ultimately, the best approach is to use a combination of common sense and good judgment when scheduling your air-duct cleaning. Look for signs of dust buildup, such as dirt on grilles or visible dust on air vents. Pay attention to how long it has been since you last cleaned.   If you notice any problems with airflow or if it has been over 6 months since your last cleaning, talk to a professional about getting your ducts serviced. In the end, regular cleanings will help ensure that you and your family breathe the freshest and cleanest air possible.   At first glance, the idea of air-duct cleaning seems a total waste of time and money. After all, who can see their air ducts, let alone tell if they’re clean?   Furthermore, most people aren’t even aware that their ducts need cleaning until they start to notice unpleasant odors coming from the vents or until dust starts clogging up their heater or air conditioner.   In reality, getting your air ducts free from mold is a worthwhile investment. It improves indoor air quality and helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Professional cleaning services can usually reduce power bills by up to 15% every month by improving how well your HVAC works.   Ultimately, when you consider all these benefits together, it’s clear that cleaning your ducts can save you money in both the short and long term.   For more information contact Brickhouse Inspections today. We help homeowners in Florida with mold testing, mold remediation, and water damage restoration. We have offices in Miami Beach and in Hollywood, Florida, we serve Miami Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County.