If it is quite warm in your home, moisture may begin to gather in your air ducts. Instead of evaporating, as is the normal course of events, the water droplets may pool instead. If you’ve got any kind of debris inside your ducts, you’ve got the perfect environment for mold growth.
In order for mold to grow, it needs moisture and some kind of organic material. That extra condensation, along with the debris in your ducts is just enough to create some serious mold problems. Mold is a known toxin and can seriously hamper your indoor air quality.
We are able to tolerate a small amount of mold usually without serious impact, but if you and your family are inhaling mold spores regularly, you could be putting yourself at serious risk. Here is what you need to know.
Visual Inspection
One of the most reliable ways to tell if there is mold in your air ducts is actually to rely on your eyes.
You can pop the ductwork apart and look inside, or you can inspect the exterior of the ductwork and your HVAC unit. Is there staining? Do you see a foam-like substance growing on the sides? That tells you that mold lurks inside.
Family Experiencing Health Problems?
As we’ve established, mold in your home can seriously lower the indoor air quality. In some cases, your indoor air quality can be even worse than your outdoor air quality, even with all the exterior pollutants.
It’s not surprising then to realize that you can suffer a number of health problems with mold in your home. If you or your family members are suffering from dizziness, congestion, respiratory irritation, rashes, or even mental health issues like depression, mold could be the culprit.
Mildew Smell in Your Whole Home
One of the biggest indicators of mold in your air ducts is if you smell mildew everywhere in your home. If you smell mildew in a single room or area, you may have mold in the wall or on the carpet.
However, if it is in all the rooms, mold spores are traveling through your home. If you do suspect that you’ve got mold in your ducts, the best course of action is to have a certified mold specialist to come and do an inspection.
They can then advise you on how to remove the mold safely and thoroughly. Don’t underestimate the importance of indoor air quality for your safety. It’s also a good idea to get your ducts cleaned regularly. For assistance in St. Louis, MO, call us today.