Why Is There Mold Around Air Vents

Mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork.

Why is there mold around air vents.

Common causes of black mold in air vents. Black dust around air vents. While it is best to clean any visible mold keep in mind the fact that mold spores are microbial and can not be seen by the human eye. Also soak the sides and ceiling of the air vent to ensure that any microscopic mildew growth is also covered.

Removing the vents on a normal basis for cleaning will prevent dusty build up. The air coming out of the air conditioning vents is about 20 degrees colder than the inside air so if the air inside is too humid condensation will form on the metal ducts at. Mold around an air conditioning register is a good reason to call a licensed air conditioning contractor for evaluation and repair before the problem causes damage that requires more expensive mitigation. One of the first signs that black mold is growing in your air vents is a distinct musty mildew like smell in specific rooms or even throughout your entire home.

If there s enough mold in or around the vents it can spread in the air causing allergy like symptoms such as headaches nausea irritated nose and throat and itchy eyes. When mold grows within the central heating cooling and ventilation system there are high chances that every room connected to the vents receives generous amounts of mold spores. You may also be able to see the presence of mold around drip pans air ducts and within intake vents. As cool air flows through the vents on hot days the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent.

Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. The black dust may be patchy and difficult to wipe off. As soon as you switch your heater or air conditioner on the microscopic particles start floating and blowing out with air into the room. Use a ladder to get better access into the vent.

Let the solution sit on the growth for at least 20 minutes. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant musty smell. Air return registers will get dusty as air passes through them and being dirty is not a sign of mold being present.

What appears to be mold at first glance however might be dust adhering around the duct leakage point behind the register. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air so when warm humid air comes in contact with something cold it reaches dew point and makes condensation or water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray as far as you can into your air vents until the mildew growth is completely soaked. If there is black mold growing in your air vents you may notice a musty aroma when you run.