No matter if we’re young or old, rich or poor, black mold can sprout in every house out there. It doesn’t really care about our location or whether we would like to deal with it; mold is a problem most, if not all, homeowners have to combat at some point.
However, what many of you might not be aware of is that black mold can also appear in air vents. Thus, you should do everything in your power to fight it and prevent it from coming back in the future.
Luckily, we have plenty to say on that topic — let’s see which solution has proven to be the most effective.
First Things First — How Does Black Mold Even End Up in the Air Vents?
We all know that mold loves moisture, so we might not expect to find black mold in our air vents. However, in the summer, we often use the vents to cool down. Hence, there’s a good chance we’re creating just the environment mold needs to thrive. When the crisp air coming from the vents mixes with the heat, we get condensation. Consequently, a lot of moisture builds up in the vents, allowing mold to grow as much as it wants.
Is It Dangerous?
Not only is black mold in air vents dangerous, but it can even lead to death in some particularly severe cases. Mold in and of itself can easily harm us by attacking our respiratory system. Yet, it is even more dangerous when it’s blown through the air ducts.
If we don’t eliminate it as soon as possible, it can cause permanent damage and lead to all sorts of symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and more. Even worse, with prolonged exposure, black mold can cause bleeding in the lungs and nose and possibly damage our brain.
Signs There’s Mold in the Air Vents
Using our sense of sight and smell is a surefire way of detecting mold. If there’s any of it in the air vents, we will be able to see the spores on top of the metal, either directly on the vent or somewhere next to it. Some mold may also grow on the wall where the vent is, the ceiling, and on the floor beneath it.
Yet, we ought to be entirely sure it’s mold, so we should get a flashlight and remove the vent cover. Mold likes the dark, so if there’s any of it there, it won’t remain near the cover only. In most cases, mold grows fast and spreads through the vent as much as it can.
Even if we cannot see mold for some reason (although it is quite evident in most cases), we may be able to smell it. Mold usually has a somewhat musky smell to it, which isn’t like any other odor out there. And, since it is airborne, the odor will dominate the room. As such, it won’t be that difficult to detect.
Is There a Way to Prevent Mold Growth?
In order to inhibit mold growth, we have to pay extra attention to the air vents and make sure the moisture doesn’t build up in them. To prevent the air from creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive in, it’s best to invest in a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier should make the air dry by sucking out all the moisture from it, thus keeping condensation at bay. On top of that, we can also invest in annual maintenance. Every year, the air vents should be appropriately cleaned and inspected by professionals to ensure they’re in top-notch condition, and more importantly, mold-free.
Dealing with Black Mold — Do We Need to Call In the Professionals?
When it comes to air ducts and mold, it’s best to call professionals who have the skills and the equipment necessary to eliminate the issue quickly. As the mold continues to grow, it goes further and further into the ducts, which means you probably won’t be able to clean them thoroughly.
Even if you do use a combination of water and bleach to try to combat the mold — long-term results are unlikely. Therefore, don’t risk your or your family’s health further; call Mold Solutions and get rid of the nasty thing once and for all.
