01 Jul Mold in HVAC ducts
Mold in HVAC ducts
If you see mold in your air ducts, a thorough cleaning may be in order.
The Environmental Protection Agency says you should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:
“There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.”
Dampness caused by condensation is a great habitat for mold.
HVAC systems that are too small or too large may have efficiency problems that create condensation. Mold also can grow in warmer months if condensation builds up while the vents carry cooler air.
Is it really mold?
When you talk to a contractor about looking for mold, EPA.gov gives several important guidelines:
- “Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.
- “You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.”
There are other possible duct problems that need prompt attention:
“If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced,” EPA.Gov says.
“If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.”
Other reasons
Mold is not the only potential problem that may require duct cleaning, EPA.Gov says. Other cases:
“Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects).
“Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.”
Duct cleaning contractors use a variety of tools to safely extract mold and other debris from your home.
Dapper Ducts NYC has a solid track record for successfully cleaning ducts in homes and businesses. Contact us for an inspection and a written quote. We guarantee our work!
We serve all five boroughs of New York City. Available 24/7.