Duct, Duct, Mold!

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Part of managing indoor air quality means managing mold. Mold spores are traveling through the air searching for moist environments where they will grow into colonies. You are aware of those places where mold likes to grow and you regularly search your building in Jackson Township, OH for leaky pipes as well as rain and flood damage. You search the usual places, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. You can't see any mold, yet you still smell that familiar musty smell. Is that a coincidence that the odor is stronger when the air conditioner is running? When was the last time you had HVAC cleaning done in your building?

Odorous Digestive Gases

You are actually smelling gases from the digestive process of mold. Those gases, called mycotoxins, are not produced by all molds. Production depends on the type of mold and the substance being consumed. Cleaning vents regularly can help your indoor air quality, prevent the spread of spores, and help you find hidden mold in the heating and air system.

Mold Inside HVAC Systems

What does mold have to do with your HVAC? Microscopic spores travel through the air, including inside your HVAC system where moisture and condensation are often by-products. Mold spores only need a hospitable place to rest, digest, and reproduce. Here are some places to check for mold growth during HVAC cleaning:

• Air ducts
• Supply and return registers
• Cooling coils
• Drip pans
• Porous building materials near the HVAC system

Don't forget to change the filter regularly to help your system run efficiently and to keep microscopic spores contained.

When There's a Problem

If you do smell mold, or even see it during routine HVAC cleaning, you can rely on specialists to help find and resolve any mold problems. During cleanup, they use special containment techniques and HEPA air scrubbers to prevent further spread of mold spores in your building. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information on mold.