Imagine cleaning your home from top to bottom only to find out that you have a mold infestation in your AC ducts. This would be a cause for alarm for anyone as mold spore can spread through your ductwork and get into your home.
Mold is one of the most invasive microorganisms that can be found growing in your home or office. It can grow almost anywhere when the right conditions are met, these include cold or humid temperature, a food source, and some moisture.
Worse yet, their preferred ecosystem is usually located in hidden or hard to reach areas such as behind walls, large equipment, or inside your ducts. Read on to find out more about mold growth and how to remove mold with AC duct cleaning.
What is mold and how does it grow?
Mold can be found everywhere and can grow in most places so far there is enough moisture. They reproduce via airborne spores that are released by existing mold growth. When these spores land on moist surfaces that can support life, they begin to grow.
Soon enough, this new growth releases its spores, and the circle repeats. Mold is usually found indoors in limited quantities that may not affect most people. However, it can grow significantly in AC ducts and cause several health problems if they get inside your space.
What are the health effects of mold?
There are many negative effects of mold around the home. Chief among them are the unsightly rotting or discolored surfaces mold creates as it grows. This can become an eyesore that severely affects the quality of your property.
The airborne spores that mold releases as it grows can also cause mild to severe reactions, especially among those with allergies. Continual exposure to mold may also cause heightened sensitivity and lead to other health symptoms not included here.
Common symptoms of airborne mold spores include:
Depending on the length of time and nature of exposure, breathing in mold spores can cause:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Dry or scaly skin
- Cough and postnasal drip
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
It is important to contact a professional AC duct cleaning service if anyone around you consistently experiences any of the above. Our technicians are trained to follow the best air duct cleaning practices to remove all the mold in your AC ducts and ensure it doesn’t return.
Is there mold in my AC ducts?
The right answer is probably. If you feel the need to ask, then it is worth having a qualified technician analyze your AC system to find out what is wrong. A professional will check your indoor and outdoor units as well as the ductwork connecting them.
Mold growing in your AC ducts is no joke as this is where almost all the air coming to you passes through. This makes it many times more dangerous for the health than mold growing in other areas, like behind the refrigerator.
Dubai’s humid and dust-laden climate means that you stand a higher chance of developing mold growth. Therefore, experts recommend that you carry out thorough AC duct cleaning at least two times a year.
Does AC duct cleaning get rid of mold?
The short answer is: Yes. Cleaning your AC ducts will help you remove any dirt, debris, or mold growth inside. Regular AC duct cleaning is the most cost-effective way to ensure that you only get clean, healthy, mold-free air indoors.
However, this procedure should only be attempted by someone who knows what they are doing as the probability of making mistakes is quite high. A poorly AC duct cleaning may leave you with leaks, dents, or abrasions that can lead to damaged parts or even equipment failure.
When should I clean my AC ducts?
Most ductwork installations are concealed behind layers of shielding underground or in the roof. This makes it difficult knowing when you need to call a professional to clean your AC ducts.
However, you should contact your maintenance company if you notice the following:
- A thick coat of dust in your vents and air return grills. This is a common breeding spot for mold and usually means that your AC ducts are dirty.
- Dust, dirt, and debris in your air vents. A dirty air vent traps moisture in the drip pan and increases the possibility of mold growth in your ductwork.
- Inspect with a mold testing kit. These kits are available in most hardware stores and could be used to check for mold growth before calling a professional service.
It is important to contact a professional AC duct cleaning service if anyone around you consistently experiences any of the above. Our technicians are trained to follow the best air duct cleaning practices to remove all the mold in your AC ducts and ensure it doesn’t return.