Mold in Air Vents? Here’s What You Should Do. 

If you notice mold growing in your air vents, take immediate action.

Mold is dangerous when it’s in an air vent because your HVAC system is probably circulating spores through your home, leading to potential respiratory issues.

How Do I Know if I Have Mold in Vents? 

You may be able to physically see mold spores growing inside your HVAC air ducts. Take the vent cover off and visually inspect the inside of your vent with a flashlight. Look for dark black dots.

The other telltale sign of mold is a musty, damp smell that may become stronger when your air conditioner or furnace is turned on.

Why Do I Have Mold in My Vents? 

It can get humid inside your vents, which is the perfect environment for mold spores to grow. Vents in rooms that aren’t well-ventilated are the most susceptible to mold.

Air conditioners are another culprit. If they’re too big, excess moisture in the air vents doesn’t circulate properly. And if you keep the temperature too low, expect condensation to form due to the temperature difference.

How to Treat Mold in Air Vents

So, what should you do when you find mold in vents? Here are two steps to consider.

Step 1: Clean Your Vents

Unscrew your vents. Rinse them with water and then submerge them for ten minutes in a mold-killing solution. Options for an effective solution include: [A] baking soda and vinegar (1:2 ratio); [B] water (1 cup), baking soda (1 tbsp), and laundry detergent (1 tbsp); or [C] a disinfectant designed for mold.

Step 2: Setup Professional Cleaning on a Regular Basis 

One of the best things you can do to remediate and prevent mold from living in your air vents is to schedule regular ductwork cleaning. We recommend having your ducts cleaned every three to five years.

There are plenty of duct-cleaning companies out there, but a big benefit to having a professional HVAC technician clean your ducts is that they are knowledgeable about indoor air quality products, like air purifiers and dehumidifiers, that can bring year-round comfort to your home.

Need an Air Quality and Air Duct Professional? Contact One Hour. 

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning has the experience and technical expertise to keep your family’s air ducts clean and safeguard your home’s indoor air quality. Request an appointment today.