How To Eliminate Mold in Ductwork
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
How To Eliminate Mold In Ductwork
High levels of moisture can cause mold to start growing inside HVAC ducts. Almost any type of mold, including black mold, can be supported by dust and debris inside of a heating and cooling system. Spores can spread throughout a structure through air ducts. If a musty odor is present or mold growth is evident, building owners or managers should take these three steps.
1. Locate the Source of Moisture
A building owner or manager should contact an HVAC specialist to identify the source of moisture and resolve the problem before scheduling a duct cleaning. Excessive moisture or mold growth may be evident in condensate drip pans, coils, or terminal units. It is also possible that a plumbing or roof leak is introducing water directly into the ductwork.
2. Clean the Air Ducts
A duct cleaning company can eliminate many types of mold. These services typically use high-powered vacuums to clean ducts. If black mold or signs of severe contamination are present, a property owner or manager may also want to consult with an indoor environmental professional. More extensive remediation work may be necessary if mold has spread beyond ducts.
3. Inhibit the Mold Growth
A duct cleaning company may also apply a mold inhibitor rated for HVAC use. This treatment can help to prevent mold from returning even if moisture levels increase. Property owners should keep moisture low by taking measures to prevent and quickly fix leaks, maintaining the HVAC system, and ensuring that indoor relative humidity levels remain between 30 percent and 50 percent.
These measures can help eliminate the presence of mold growth from ductwork and prevent fungus from returning. If black mold is found or there is a significant chance that mold has spread to other parts of a structure, a property owner or manager should also contact a mold cleanup and remediation company in Kansas City, MO.