03 Aug 3 Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents
Summer is here and the air outside is heating up. That means you will be soon relying on your HVAC system to keep your home cool. But before you start cranking up the AC, you should get your air vents checked for mold.
That’s right—toxic black mold in air vents is unfortunately very common, and it could be contaminating your home. Today we explain why mold grows in HVAC ducts, as well as the signs to watch out for.
Is it normal for mold to grow in air vents?
Unfortunately, yes. Your home’s HVAC system provides the darkness, heat, and humidity, that make it the perfect environment for black mold. When humidity is higher during the spring and summer months, mold grows even faster. And because your HVAC system sucks up dust, pollen, and other particles from the air, it provides an endless stream of “food” for mold to feed on.
Three Early Stage Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents
1: Visible Mold
You probably will not be able to see the black mold in your air ducts unless you go up into your attic and start poking around. However, sometimes black mold does appear as black dust or dark spots on the surface of the vent covers.
If you attempt to wipe the dust or spots away and they do not budge, chances are good they are actually mold. Remember, black mold is toxic! Never touch it with your bare hands—always wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself.
2: Musty Smell
Have you recently noticed a smell like dirty socks or a wet towel when you turn on the air conditioner? That musty smell is a warning sign there may be black mold lurking in your air vents.
3: Mold Allergy Symptoms
If you or someone else in your home experiences allergy symptoms when the air conditioner is running, they may have a mold allergy. Mold allergy symptoms include:
- A runny or stuffed-up nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin that is dry, itchy, and/or has a rash or hives
Black Mold Removal in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Your home’s HVAC system is an important tool for keeping the air in your home clean and comfortable. The presence of black mold in air vents defeats that purpose and instead, your HVAC system inadvertently helps spread mold spores throughout your home.
Now that you know how to recognize these three early stage signs of black mold in air vents, we hope that you’ll give us a call if you see any of them. Our professional mold remediation services will help keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the summer, and all year long.
If you suspect you may have black mold lurking in your air vents, call Pure Maintenance NE today at 401-205-3825 for a free mold inspection.
Image by Joseph Mucira from Pixabay
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