Finding Duct Leaks

Signs Of Mold In Your Ductwork

Mold is a significant health risk if it begins to develop within your home, and it can aggravate and cause respiratory diseases. Your home's air conditioning ductwork is a dark, cool place that provides an ideal breeding place for mold and mildew growth, where it can go unnoticed for a while since it is out of sight. Thankfully, there a few common warning signs that you can look out for to determine if there is mold growing within your ductwork so that you can contact a professional specializing in air conditioning repair immediately.

Smells

One of the most common signs of mold growing in your home's ductwork is an odd, almost earthy smell that can pervade your home. This smell will be noticeable when your air conditioning system is in use, and may only appear in certain areas of your home. If you notice a bad smell in your home that you can't place, turn your air conditioning system off for a few minutes. If it begins to fade, and comes back when you turn your air conditioner back on, you probably have mold growing somewhere within your ductwork, and you should call a contractor immediately.

Water Damage

Check around your vents and look into any visible portions of your ductwork to see if there is any sign of moisture or water damage. This can take the appearance of a small amount of pooled water, stains or drips that develop on paint, wallpaper, or flooring around vents, or even air with excessive humidity moving through your vents. You can combat this by installing a whole-house dehumidifier, which can help reduce the overall amount of humidity throughout your home, but that is a preventative measure. If you notice any of these signs of water damage or exposure, you should still get in touch with an HVAC specialist to have your ducts checked out, as water greatly promotes mold growth.

Allergies

If you notice that there is a sudden uptick in the severity of your allergies, especially if it is the off-season, you may have mold growth somewhere within your house. If you haven't noticed an odd smell or signs of water damage, and can't find any signs of visible mold growth anywhere in your home, the mold in question is probably growing somewhere within your ductwork. Even if you don't have allergies, but are suffering from chronic cold symptoms, like a runny nose, sore throat, or itchy eyes, there is still a good chance that there is mold somewhere within your home's ductwork.


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