It’s something you might not think about until it’s too late, and it causes some severe damage to your home and health.
Mold is a common allergen found in typically cool but moist environments, like ductwork, and usually starts growing within 24 to 48 hours of exposure in optimal conditions. When it enters the body, it can have various reactions ranging from mild to severe symptoms that require medical attention.
A strong musty or mildew-like scent
When mold is present in your home, you will notice a musty or mildew-like scent when your air conditioning or heat kicks on. It will become stronger and more noticeable by the vent closest to the source, which could explain how some rooms located further away from it do not have the funky smell. If mold is left alone, it will grow and spread and eventually find itself in every duct in your home.
Signs of growth around the vents
Another way to tell if you have mold in your ducts is if mold forms around your vents, as it wouldn’t form without being pushed there from the airflow in the ducts. Be aware of growths that appear to be black, brown, green, or even yellow, as these are all different species of mold with varying effects on a person’s health.
Unexplained illnesses
If you or someone else in your home begins to experience unexplained illnesses, it could be a result of mold buildup in your ducts. Allergy-like symptoms such as asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and rashes are common for individuals exposed to mold. If you notice a correlation between increased use of your HVAC system and an increase in these strange symptoms, it could be an indicator of mold in your ducts.
If you believe that you may have mold in your ducts after you read through some of our suggestions, you should schedule a duct cleaning appointment. We serve Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill counties and their surrounding areas. At ACS, our goal is to get the air quality in your home to be the best it can be while keeping you and your wallet happy and comfortable.
