Mold loves dark and damp spaces. Given the right environment, mold can thrive and spread very quickly. When there is an issue with the HVAC system, such as the condensate drain is clogged, it can push moisture up into the airducts. Once this occurs, you now have a dark and damp space for mold to grow. Mold in the airduct is not a common problem. However if it does happen, your entire home will now be infected with mold spores. There are many different types of mold that have been discovered growing in the air ducts, some of them are worse than others. Air Pure Air Duct Cleaning would like to share some of the types of mold that have been discovered in airducts and how it is important to have the airducts cleaned.
What Type of Mold Grows in Air Vents & Ducts?
Acremonium: Acremonium is categorized as a toxigenic mold that take a long period of time to grow. Acremonium often requires water to contact the area. As it grows, it will have a white powdery appearance. Exposure to Acremonium is very dangerous as it can cause disease in the bone marrow, organs. It can also affect the immune system.
Alternaria: One of the more common types of mold is Alternaria which is green or brown with a velvet-like texture. Alternaria often requires running water. When it is found in the air ducts it usually is due to a water leak that has made its way into the air ducts. Alternaria mostly effects those with existing respiratory problems such as asthma. It can also trigger allergies.
Chaetomium: Chaetomium is a brownish color mold that has a cotton like appearance. However, its color can change over time. Chaetomium is common in airducts that haven’t been cleaned in a long time. Chaetomium requires soil or a thick enough layer of dust to grow. Chaetomium can be harmful to some people. It mostly causes infection on the skin and under the nails.
Mucor: Mucor is the most common mold found inside air ducts and in the air conditioner. Mucor is common and concerning as it causes lung and brain infection. It is important to treat the air conditioner and the air duct system if this mold is present in the home. Mucor mold is fairly easy to identify. It is white and grows in long strings and weaves together. At the tip of each string is a block head. Mucor grows in patches and spreads very quickly.
Stachybotrys: Another common mold found in household and in airduct systems is Stachybotrys, often called black mold. This mold can cause many different problems from sinus infections, fatigue, to labored breathing, and even depression. You may not notice the mold in the airducts until you see black powder accumulating around the air vents. If you discover this mold make sure to have the airducts cleaned immediately.
Does Air Duct Cleaning Remove Mold?
When you discover mold in your air duct system, turn off the HVAC system. This will help reduce the spread of the spore. Next, open the windows to help ventilate the air inside the home and remove the spores. You will want to schedule an air duct cleaning. Make sure to let the air duct cleaning service know that mold is a problem.
Air Duct Cleaning & More in Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
If you have mold in your air duct system and need it treated as well as the air ducts cleaned, contact Air Pure Inc today.
