Signs of Mold in HVAC System

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold In The HVAC System

Mold in air ducts can be bothersome and potentially dangerous. Building owners in Plant City, FL, have to be aware of the signs of mold and know when HVAC cleaning is needed. Here are the indicators of mold growth that you should be watching out for.

Causes of Mold Growth

Knowing if your HVAC system is at a high risk for developing mold can help you stay on top of the problem. Mold grows in air ducts for several reasons:

• Humidity
• Oversized AC units
• High temperatures
• Setting the AC too low
• Failure to replace cleaning vents

If your building is at a high risk for mold growth, you should have a mold remediation specialist perform occasional HVAC cleaning services.

Odors

If mold spores are present in your system, you should be able to smell mildew. If you are unsure if your HVAC system is the source of the odor, you should try turning it off and back on again after waiting a few minutes. If the smell is stronger when the system is turned on, that is a strong indicator that it is the source of the problem.

Visible Mold

Mold, or signs of mold, may be visible to the naked eye. If you frequently check your system for visible mold, you are far more likely to catch it early before it has time to spread. You should also check for any signs of moisture since it causes mold growth.

Pooling Water

If you have pooling water, mold growth is very likely. In addition to checking for signs of moisture, you should look for problems that could cause a buildup of water. Examples include blocked drains or drip pans. You should also check for condensation both inside and outside of the system.

Knowing when your system is high risk, paying attention to odors and checking for visible mold and pooling water will help you determine if you have a mold problem. If you observe mold in your air ducts or suspect that it is present, a professional should perform HVAC cleaning services immediately to minimize damage and risks.