Signs of Black Mold In Air Vents

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills Provides Professional Mold Remediation for Black Mold in Air Vents

Most of us are in the habit of tossing food products at the first sign of mold. We wouldn’t even consider eating moldy food, so it follows that it’s also unhealthy for us to breathe mold in the air. When mold grows in air vents and HVAC systems, it mixes with the circulating air we breathe.

Air quality issues (such as black mold in air vents) should be addressed. It’s especially urgent for those who are vulnerable to illness (babies, little children, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised.)

Do you notice a mold problem in your vents or somewhere in your HVAC system? Here at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills, we are the Fort Worth mold remediation specialists and here to answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

What is Black Mold?

The formal name for common black mold is Stachybotrys Chartarum.

While black mold is the most noticeable kind of mold, keep in mind…

• Mold coexists with us in the natural environment. Only unhealthy molds are the problem.
• Not all black mold is Stachybotrys.  Other types of mold are also black. To know what kind it is, testing must be done. Our mold specialists can identify what IS toxic.

Noticeable signs of mold:

• A sweet but musky smell. 
• Illness (particularly allergy symptoms).
• The increasing appearance of spotting (black or other colors).

What is unseen are the spores. Microscopic spores travel through the air that enters through windows, and make their way into hair, fibers, or HVAC systems. Mold collection within your air conditioning systems and vents may be where the source of the spores is hiding.

Because mold spores thrive on moisture and quickly reproduce in damp conditions, sources of water must be addressed. In water damage events, mold growth starts in as little as 48 hours.

What Causes Black Mold in HVAC Air Ducts?

How does mold find its way deep into ductwork? Mold makes itself at home in warm and moist temperatures (humid climates). Anywhere moisture gets trapped is the ideal breeding ground for mold.

HVAC Issues to Address:

• Oversized unit: If an AC unit is too big for the square footage, it doesn’t cycle properly. This causes accumulation of excess moisture that doesn’t have the chance to dry up so moisture gets trapped in the ductwork. 
• Very cool temperatures: Mold does grow in warm temperatures, but when the AC is producing air that is too cold, this creates condensation. This happens when cold air meets warm air. Condensation is another opportunity for mold growth.
• Leaks: Cracks in the ducts let moisture and warm air in. Both factors trap moisture in the HVAC air ducts.

Damp and dark places are where mold grows. Ductwork is dark, so mold grows when moisture is trapped there.

What are the Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents?

Sometimes dark areas on the vent surface or between the cracks are just dust, paint, or rust. Does it smell funny around the vent? Are there signs of mold around the air vents? 

Relieved that it was just some dust or fuzz? Keep in mind that dust is food for mold. Keep mold at bay by removing dust in vents and keeping them moisture-free.

Does Mold in AC Vents Need to Be Cleaned Out?

Killing black mold in air vents and other accessible AC areas does help keep some mold out of the air. However the deeper the problem is, the more likely you are to need help from professionals. Without solving the root cause, mold in ac vents just grows back.

Steps For Cleaning Your AC:

• Shut off the HVAC system.
• Wear an N-95 respirator
• Dispose of and double bag anything porous that is water damaged.
• Thoroughly remove black mold in air vents with a bleach solution or baking soda and detergent solution.
• Use a wet vac to remove standing water.
• Apply an EPA registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC non-porous surfaces. Use this to kill mold on all surfaces(ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc). It helps to pinch off a section at a time to keep spores from spreading through the ductwork.
• Use a mold and mildew inhibitor (for HVAC and EPA registered) to all components of the HVAC systems.

While all of the above is progress toward fighting air quality problems, the EPA recommends professional mold treatment help. 

Our team at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills is specialized in mold remediation and we have the right personal protection equipment to do the job safely (including N95 respirators). 

Reach Out to a Black Mold Remediation Specialist

For decades, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has provided expert mold remediation in the North Richland Hills and Fort Worth areas including commercial mold removal.

Molds exist naturally and cannot be 100% removed and mold remediation is about removing the toxic molds. 

What We Do:

• Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Mold Containment
• Air Filtration
• Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Restoration
• Strictly adhere to Texas mold safety laws
• We’re faster to any disaster and we make it like it never happened!
• 24/7 service

If you see signs of black mold in air vents or smell mold, the time to act is now! Mold spreads quickly when left untreated.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills has the training, experience, and equipment needed to swiftly contain the mold infestation and return the AC or furnace to preloss condition. We provide professional mold remediation services to Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Watauga, Richland Hills, Smithfield, and surrounding communities..

Restore your property to a healthy environment and call our mold experts anytime at (817) 589-1499 or fill out our convenient contact form.