How to Prevent Mold in Your Air Ducts

Over the past hundred years, residential heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems have evolved to accommodate the needs of homes across the United States because of weather and other factors. Most are characterized by single-stage heating and cooling systems, while some larger homes feature complex multi-stage HVAC technologies for greater energy efficiency and cost savings. Mechanical innovations now give us different systems to keep our homes warm, cool, and well-ventilated including humidity control, zoned systems, heating systems, and cooling systems. Even the best technology, however, is susceptible to mold.

CAUSES OF MOLD INFESTATION

On days when it’s warm and the air’s saturated with high-water vapor content, you can be sure that microscopic traces of mold are building within your Arvada air ducts. Water vapor can form when cold air passes through the duct system, and when there is high water vapor content outdoors. This is a recipe for a primordial soup of mold, as the water droplets normally collect rather than evaporating. As you might suspect, this is the most conducive ecosystem for mold as it feeds naturally on dead skin cells, dust, dirt, pollen, and animal hackles which accumulates over months within the air ducts along with life-giving water.

To sum it up, the most obvious causes of mold in your air ducts – or anywhere else, for that matter – are a combination of humidity, condensation, and poor ventilation. Without periodically cleaning your air ducts, you’re inviting the growth of mold and mildew that could not only damage your home, but pose health risks to you, your loved ones, and others who visit your residence. Don’t wait for the worst to happen, contact a reputable ---------------air duct cleaning professional for a free inspection.

WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS OF MOLD

Even in your Arvada air ducts, it's not too hard to identify signs of mold. Of course, not all the signs will actually be inside the ductwork, but here are a few things to watch for:

• The mold can be easily seen growing within system drip pans, dryer vents, and ductwork around your home.
• You have allergic symptoms like a runny nose, rashes, or watering eyes.
• A strong musty or mildew-like odor throughout your house or at least in a few rooms adjacent to the furnace or air conditioner.
• Your eyes, nose, and throat feel irritated when the air conditioning is on or you step into an air-conditioned room.
• You or your family suddenly experience unexplainable headaches which only subside when you go outdoors.
• You feel fatigue, nausea, and dizziness only when you’re home.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD IN YOUR AIR DUCTS

What are some tips and advice for preventing mold from growing in your air ducts? Professional air duct cleaning services are your go-to solution if the problem gets out of hand or you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself. But here are some things you can try on your own.

• Don't block ductwork or vents with furniture, drapery, or other large objects as they can easily obstruct airflow. Any blockage means the air conditioner won’t properly circulate the air in your home. Stagnant air and spaces devoid of light can lead to condensation, which encourages mold to grow inside the ducts.
• Don’t forget to check humidity levels. High humidity levels are a springboard for mold growth inside the ductwork. To prevent mold, we recommend you use a dehumidifier to maintain balanced humidity levels inside the house. Another option is a humidifier monitor to watch the humidity level inside your residence. The ideal humidity level is between 35 and 50 percent, with mold starting to grow if it’s more than 70 percent.
• Cleanliness = mold-free air ducts. Annual cleaning of the air ducts will thwart mold growth and the buildup of other organisms that can harm your home’s indoor air quality. Call us for our air duct cleaning service and enjoy the benefits of clean, mold-free ductwork throughout your home. In only a short time, you'll breathe easier with fresh air that is mold-free.

Finally, talk with a professional about the correct-sized furnace and air conditioner for your home. Mold issues often arise because homeowners install a system too large or too small for their residence, and are left scrambling to deal with unhealthy after-effects of the wrong purchase decision.

LEAVE THE WORK TO PROFESSIONALS

Hiring an air duct cleaning service to clean may sound like an unnecessary expense for Arvada area homeowners, but our technicians can remove mold and help stop it from returning more effectively and safely than you could do yourself. Remember, scrubbing mold with store-bought cleaners won’t make it disappear as these cleaning products often leave behind moisture or mold for it to keep growing. Highly trained and experienced, our team protects themselves and your home not only from the mold with the right safety gear and precautions, but from the chemicals used to clean it.

Even the best-intentioned homeowner could accidentally harm an air conditioner or furnace when trying to clean them, so leave this sort of work to professionals. We know the signs of mold infestation and how to treat your heating and cooling system with care. We’re familiar with products from multiple manufacturers and know how to clean them without damaging your expensive investment. Hundreds of satisfied homeowners and businesses from Arvada to Boulder are a testament to our knowledge, service, and professionalism. Contact us online today or call 720-419-7792 for more information.