Eight Common Mold Types Your Air Ducts Could Be Hiding

Mold is a huge reason why people get air duct cleaning in Arvada. When people search for air duct cleaning near me, it’s often because they’ve noticed some sort of mold outbreak in their home.

Unfortunately, air ducts are the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow. They’re wet, damp, cold, and dark. Mold loves those conditions!

Mold is incredibly dangerous and can seriously impact both your health and the health of your loved ones. You don’t want your vents blowing mold into your air!

In this article, we’re going to talk about the different kinds of mold that your air ducts could be harboring, and why air duct cleaning is so important.

The Mold Problem

Mold isn’t just unsightly. It’s also very dangerous to live in a home that’s moldy. It can also be difficult to spot in its early stages, and can quickly get out of hand if not nipped in the bud as soon as possible.

In general, mold grows where it’s damp, dark, and cold. But mold can grow just about anywhere in your home or in your appliances if they’re not properly cared for.

Air Conditioners and Mold

Unfortunately, one of the most common places that mold spawns is in air conditioners. More specifically, it spawns in the ducts and vents that provide airflow throughout your home.

Because of the very nature of air conditioners, it’s quite easy for mold to quickly grow. Air conditioners are moist and generally stay damp.

In addition, the temperatures inside air conditioners are much colder than the temperatures of the rest of the home, which creates the perfect environment for mold to grow, and likewise, spread.

Dangers of Mold in Your Home

Mold can potentially cause a whole range of health problems for anyone living in the property. They can produce allergens, irritants, and toxins. Inhaling mold can induce an allergic reaction like sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash.

These allergic reactions are incredibly common. They may happen right away or they might be delayed.

In addition to allergies, mold can bring on asthma attacks if you have asthma (which can be fatal) and are allergic to mold. And even if you’re not allergic to mold, it can still cause irritation in your eyes, throat, nose, skin, and lungs.

We’ve been air duct cleaning for decades and in that time have seen all types of different molds. Here are some of the most common kinds of mold that we’ve seen populate air ducts and vents in properties across Arvada.

Ulocladium

This is one of the rarest kinds of molds that you may find in your air ducts, but it’s still a possibility. It’s usually found in the corners of kitchens and bathrooms and appears as a black layered substance. On top of being rare, it’s also incredibly difficult to get rid of. You’ll always need a pro to get rid of this mold.

Chaetomium

This mold is brown and has a texture like cotton. Because the color of Chaetomium changes over time, it can sometimes be hard to identify and distinguish from other kinds of mold. Chaetomium usually grows on walls, but occasionally shows up in vents and air ducts.

Aspergillus

This is one of the harder kinds of mold to identify because of how many different forms it can take. There are multiple colors that Aspergillus can show up as. It usually presents as yellow, green, or white.

Alternaria

This is a green/brown mold with a texture like velvet. It usually grows where there is running water for a long period of time. Because of this, it’s pretty rare to find Alternaria in vents or air ducts.

Mucor

Mucor is very common and is quite dangerous, so it needs to be taken care of as soon as it’s noticed.

Fusarium

Fusarium usually grows in places where there has been water damage, like on the walls, ceiling, or carpet. But if your air ducts have experienced water damage, Fusarium is happy to move in there too.

Trichoderma

This is a type of mold that is only capable of growing somewhere that is always moist or wet. This is why it pops up in air vents so frequently. It looks like spores and can quickly multiply, creating a serious hazard.

Stachybotrys

This is one of the more well-known and easily identifiable kinds of household molds. It’s a black substance that rapidly spreads. It’s very easy to spot but is incredibly toxic. Plus, if it’s in your air ducts it doesn’t matter how easy it is to spot!

Acremonium

This is a toxic mold that grows over time and looks white and powdery, almost like flour. This is one of the most common kinds of mold that grows in wet or damp places, or places that come into contact with water.

Final Thoughts From Steve's Air Duct Cleaning

Air duct cleaning is an often overlooked aspect of home maintenance. However, you never know what might be lurking in those vents.

Plenty of homes in Arvada have mold in their HVAC systems without the homeowners ever realizing it. And if you own a business, you certainly don't want to be exposing your customers to toxins.

Here at Steve’s Air Duct Cleaning, we’re happy to inspect and treat your air ducts to maintain the safety and longevity of your space.