How to Get Rid of Mold in Air Ducts With Planet Duct
Mold needs warmth, moisture, and dirt to reproduce. In Colorado Springs, we usually have low humidity, so it can be easy to dismiss concerns about mold in your home. Unfortunately, if your air ducts and HVAC system aren’t properly maintained, they can create the perfect conditions for mold (and even dangerous black mold) to grow..
Planet Duct partners with you to keep the air in your air ducts free of mold so your family or employees can breathe easy knowing their space is safe. Our team is NADCA-certified and has extensive experience removing mold from air ducts to ensure your home has clean air.
What Does Mold in Your Air Duct Look Like?
Mold in air ducts can be a serious issue, affecting both the air quality and the efficiency of the HVAC system. Identifying mold can be somewhat challenging, as it may look similar to dust or dirt at first glance. Here’s what to look for:
COLOR
Mold can vary in color. It might appear black, green, brown, or even white. Black mold is particularly concerning as it may cause health problems.
TEXTURE
Mold tends to have a fuzzy or slimy appearance. If you see spots or streaks that appear fuzzy, it might be mold.
ODOR
Sometimes, the smell can give it away. Mold often produces a musty, damp, or earthy smell. If you notice an unusual odor coming from your air vents, it could be an indication of mold.
PATTERN
Unlike dust, which tends to spread evenly, mold often grows in patches or streaks. Look for irregular patterns and growth.
LOCATION
Mold prefers damp, humid environments. If there’s a section of the duct that is more prone to moisture (near a leak or condensation), it’s more likely to harbor mold.
If you start to experience allergy-like symptoms like rashes, runny noses, and watery eyes for no apparent reason, this may also be a sign of mold in your air ducts growing. If you have asthma or shortness of breath, this can also be a sign that you need your air ducts cleaned by a professional.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Air Ducts
If you notice a dark greenish-black or black mold forming in your air ducts, then you want to schedule an air duct cleaning ASAP! Black mold is a species of mold that grows in areas that are persistently damp, including bathrooms, basements, or leaks in roofs and pipes.
Black mold, in particular, is dangerous as it can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances to everyone in your household or place of business. Exposure to these mycotoxins can lead to a range of health problems including:
- Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing can occur.
- Skin Irritation: Redness, itching, or rashes may appear on the skin.
- Eye Irritation: Eyes may become red and itchy.
- Chronic Health Problems: Prolonged exposure to black mold may contribute to persistent fatigue, headaches, and other chronic health problems.
- Immune System Effects: Individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infections.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Air Ducts: Planet Duct’s Air Duct Cleaning Process
Identify
Planet Duct will come to your home or business to confirm if the issue is indeed mold.
Isolate
Our team will prepare the site by sealing off the affected area to avoid mold spores spreading throughout your home.
Clean
Planet duct will apply antimicrobial solutions to disinfect the area using HVAC mold cleaning products. Next, we will use our high-powered vacuum system to remove debris.
Sanitize
Finally, our team will sanitize the affected areas inhibiting any future mold growth.
Our Recommended HVAC Mold Cleaner Products
HVAC mold cleaners are specialized cleaning products designed to eliminate mold from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It contains specific chemicals that can kill mold spores and prevent their regrowth. Two of our air duct treatments are designed to remove mold — Sporicidin and EnviroCon.
Sporicidin is the industry standard for medical offices, dental offices, and hospitals. In addition to handling mold, Sporicidin will kill and slow the growth of other harmful viruses and bacteria. A single treatment can last for up to 6 months. It will have a Chloroseptic smell at first, but it dissipates quickly.EnviroCon is an EPA-approved antimicrobial that tackles mold, mildew, and bacteria. It also doubles as a deodorizer, leaving your inside air smelling fresh and clean. Call us if you have questions about which product is right for your situation.
Our Air Duct Cleaning and Mold Remediation Service Areas
At Planet Duct, we provide mold removal services to Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas, including:
- Falcon
- Black Forest
- Monument
- Castle Rock
- Teller County
- Pueblo
- Fountain
- Security-Widefield
Air Duct Mold Remediation FAQs
Yes, mold in HVAC systems is dangerous as it can contaminate indoor air, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. Proper removal is essential.
Killing mold spores in the air requires using air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture the spores, maintaining humidity below 60% to discourage growth, and proper ventilation to dilute the spore concentration.
Removing black mold from air ducts is best handled by professionals due to its potential toxicity. If handling yourself, use proper safety equipment and specialized mold-cleaning products, address moisture issues, and consider replacing contaminated parts.
White mold in air ducts is a lighter-colored mold that can also affect health. Like other molds, it thrives in damp environments and requires proper identification and remediation, often best handled by professionals.
The best air duct cleaning products are those specifically formulated for HVAC systems, including antimicrobial agents for mold. Professional-grade products tailored to the specific contaminant are often the most effective, and consulting with an HVAC professional is advisable.
Hire a professional mold inspector for accurate testing, as they have specialized tools and knowledge. DIY home mold testing kits are available but may lack precision.
Schedule a Mold Removal Treatment With Planet Duct
Schedule an appointment with Planet Duct if you suspect mold in your air ducts. We’ll remove any dust and debris and then spray for mold, bacteria, and viruses to ensure the cleanest air for your home or business. Regular cleanings are the best way to create an inhospitable environment for mold growth and catch it early. Keep your Colorado Springs home clean with Planet Duct. Our highly trained technicians will get the job done right so you can breathe easily.
