It’s often surprising to learn that airborne mold spores are everywhere, even inside your home or business in Surprise. While mold spores usually aren’t a problem, mold in air ducts can result in large fungal colonies and high spore concentrations throughout a property, which can lead to mold-related health risks.
If you need to remove mold inside your home or business’s air ducts, you might consider do-it-yourself mold removal or professional duct cleaning in Phoenix, AZ. Addressing mold growth in ductwork can be challenging. Consult the guide below to know what to expect during the removal process.
Signs of HVAC Mold Contamination
Though mold is in every environment, prolonged exposure to high amounts of it can be dangerous. Mold thrives in moist, dark environments despite Surprise’s hot and dry climate. You could unintentionally promote mold growth by running your air conditioner, which is usually necessary in the summer since temperatures can reach 100 degrees.
If mold is hiding in your property’s ductwork due to the air conditioner producing excessive condensation, you might not realize it immediately. Still, you’ll know it’s time to take action against mold in air ducts by recognizing the warning signs of HVAC mold contamination, which may include:
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- Musty odors in ventilation
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- Visible specks of black or green mold around air vents
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- Frequent headaches or feelings of dizziness or nausea when you’re at home
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- Increased allergy-like symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing any time the air conditioner runs
Causes of HVAC Ductwork Mold Growth in Surprise Properties
The unfortunate truth about mold in air ducts is that it’s not an uncommon problem in Surprise. Mold colonies can form inside your air ducts when cold air from the air conditioner and warm air from your property meet and create condensation.
Excessive indoor humidity and a lack of ventilation will cause mold spores to circulate through your property and stick to the moisture inside the ductwork. Once the spores attach to a surface, they multiply and spread more spores throughout the house or business. The increased presence of mold spores and fungal colonies can lead to health problems and property damage unless you know how to remove the mold and bring the spore concentration down to an acceptable level.
How To Eliminate Mold From Ductwork in Surprise
If you suspect your HVAC ductwork contains mold within a small area, consider the following steps to remove it.
Gather Materials
Before removing mold in air ducts, you need to gather the appropriate materials and tools to do the job correctly and safely. Materials may include:
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- Respirator or N-95 mask
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- Industrial-grade work gloves
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- Scrub brush or HEPA vacuum
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- Rags
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- Cleaning solution
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- Mold inhibitor
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- Rag
Turn Off Your HVAC System
Once you gather the materials and put on your protective gear, turn off your HVAC system. You don’t want contaminated air to blow into your face while cleaning the mold.
Choose Your Mold Removal Method
You can clean mold in air ducts in several ways. First, you can make a solution with equal parts bleach and water or dish soap in warm water and thoroughly wipe down the affected areas with a rag or scrub brush. After wiping down the air ducts and soaking up the remaining moisture with a clean rag, you can vacuum the air duct to remove additional traces of mold.
Another option is to rent a mold fogger machine. This choice is ideal for ductwork with high concentrations of mold spores. Once the air duct is clean, apply a mold inhibitor according to the product’s instructions to keep the mold from returning.
DIY Mold Removal vs. Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Removing mold in air ducts might seem straightforward, yet it’s possible to overlook affected areas or clean the ductwork inefficiently. It’s usually best to get professional duct cleaning services in Surprise to ensure the cleanliness of your ductwork and HVAC system. Experienced HVAC experts have the tools and experience to do the job right.
Let Us Keep Your Surprise Property’s HVAC Ductwork Mold-Free
We at 1st Choice Mechanical & AC Repair understand how damaging mold in air ducts can be to a property, personal belongings, and the health of the building’s inhabitants. We offer comprehensive indoor comfort services for residential properties throughout Phoenix, including air duct cleaning, AC maintenance, and HVAC repairs.
As a trusted local HVAC contractor with more than 20 years of industry experience, our licensed technicians know how to identify and resolve indoor air quality issues, including mold growth in ductwork. We offer fast solutions at competitive prices with a 100% satisfaction guarantee — call today for an appointment. Learn more now.