HVAC systems are the perfect breeding ground for different types of mold, especially black molds. You can usually discover them when you pull off the front cover. This can be very disturbing because it can affect the indoor air quality of your home. Mold exposure poses health problems that are sometimes irreversible.

This is the reason why checking and cleaning out your air vents is extremely important. Please read on to know the signs of black mold in air vents and how to prevent it.

Things You Need to Know About Mold Growing in Air Vents

Mold thrives where excess moisture is. Especially in the summertime, condensation will mostly occur in your air conditioner’s air vents and ducts. Mold usually becomes noticeable near an air vent cover. The following factors explain why mold grows in air vents.

• Condensation results in the accumulation of moisture as warm humid air contacts the cold metal. 
• Dust build-up will most likely occur on vent covers and inside the ductwork. Since dust is composed primarily of organic matter, it can be a food source for mold.
• Vents and ductwork have no sunlight but have oxygen sunlight.

Air vents are the metal placed found over the holes and are responsible for circulating air throughout your house. Mold spores float and are easily carried by air and as a result, they’re carried through ductwork. In addition, the spores land on air vents pretty easily.

The Unpleasant Black Mold 

Let’s identify the enemy. Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum is a highly toxic strain of mold. This is also known as “toxic black mold” or “toxic black mold”. This type of mold is kind of slimy and gray or dark greenish-black in color.

In addition, it releases mycotoxins into the air which can cause allergic reactions or irritation if inhaled or ingested.

Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents

Cleaning vents are sometimes ignored, so you will see black dust in these areas of your AC. It’s not only just dust, dirt, or grime but could be black mold. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold grows rapidly and can destroy places it grows on. Signs of black mold in air vents are not only visible but can be invisible or felt, too. 

1. Visible signs are black dust, black or white spots that you can see inside and around vents.
2. Moreover, you may sometimes witness strange material flowing out.
3. Not visible symptoms would be musty smells in the air or malfunctioning of air vents.
4. Signs that you might have mold issues can also manifest through triggering allergic reactions or health symptoms such as:

• sneezing and coughing
• Dizziness, fatigue, and headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Itchy eyes, skin, or nose

Unfortunately, there are also health symptoms of black mold in air vents that can be life-threatening. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, and people with weak immunity are at high risk. 

Learn How to Remove Black Mold in Air Vents

Removing black mold can be a challenge. You can avoid having a broken air vent or a series of health conditions if you strive to eliminate mold in air ducts and vents. 

Take time to vacuum and clean the AC system using powerful cleaning agents. Proper cleaning will prevent mold from returning. If this happens, another option is to hire a mold removal expert to remove not only the visible signs but the musty odor as well.

Consider following the steps below: 

1. Turn off the system to prevent electric shocks.
2. Wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from mold exposure.
3. Use a clean rag or a brush to deeply scrub off the mold.
4. Repeat the process until the mold is eliminated.
5. Discard the used rags and brush to prevent further damage from mold spores.

You can use mold cleaning agents or a commercial mold inhibitor for vents to lower the risk of mold formation in the future. However, don’t hesitate to contact a mold remediation company if mold infestation is huge and beyond your control.

Prevent Black Mold in Air Vents

• Regularly clean the vents thoroughly to avoid dirt and other debris from piling up in the system.
• Change filters especially if you are using the same filters for longer periods.
• Invest in a good dehumidifier if your home is prone to above-normal humidity levels.
• Do not allow moisture to stay inside and around the vent for long.
• Check even the smallest issues in vents and repair them as early as possible.
• Dry and clean the surrounding surfaces of the vents and maintain them since mold spores can travel to nearby surfaces, too.
• Avoid placing water-damaged items near your vent.

Remove Black Mold in  Air Vents and Your HVAC Systems

Black mold is unpleasant even in small quantities. Signs of black mold in air vents are a warning that can take a toll on your health and lead to malfunctioning of air vents. Hence, this issue should be treated immediately as soon as you detect it. 

Our team at Superior Restoration are highly trained, experienced, and equipped to contain and eliminate mold in HVAC Systems. We provide mold removal and air duct cleaning services as well as emergency water damage and fire damage restoration services.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We are always ready to serve you, 24/7.