If there is dust, mildew or mold present -- even in small quantities -- they may feel sick or have their allergies triggered more often. If the house generally has poor circulation, these contaminants can build up and sometimes cause healthy people to feel sick.
If your family is getting sick more than normal, experiencing coughing, sneezing, sore throats, runny noses, nasal congestion, headaches, and low-grade fevers, they may have upper respiratory infections as a result of dirty air ducts.
Use an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces (Ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew, and other dirt. BIOSPRAY-TOWER ready-to-use disinfectant and mold cleaner will kill and remove mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.
Approximate costs range from $200 to $500. Mold Remediation: If the presence of mold is discovered during your air duct cleaning inspection, the average cost for treatment and removal is $1,500 to $6,000. Duct Repairs: Minor repairs typically cost $200 to $700.
Since the interior of your air ducts is prone to some degree of moisture accumulation, it's not uncommon for mold to develop. And if you've never had professional duct cleaning before, there's a definite chance that hazardous mold is colonizing your HVAC system.
Chronic Fatigue: Mold forces your body to work harder, leading to persistent fatigue, especially in those with pre-existing conditions. Lung Issues: Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to lung function.
Mold can make you sick in 3 ways (1) allergic reaction (2) Invasive fungal infection (3) Mycotoxin poisoning.
Signs of poor indoor air quality may include excessive amounts of dust or increased difficulty breathing in your home. People with allergies or other breathing problems will often be some of the first to experience the effects of poor indoor air quality. Sometimes you might even smell the problem before you can see it.
Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.
To confirm that the substance in your HVAC vents is mold, contact a certified mold inspector. They offer laboratory analysis of samples taken from your air ducts. Besides a mold test, you can also use your nose as the fungus also gives off a distinct musty odor.
To remove mold from your system, focus on strengthening your detox pathways. This includes taking supplements like glutathione, consuming antioxidant-rich foods, staying hydrated, and supporting gut health with probiotics. For more severe cases, consult a healthcare professional for personalized treatments.
Mould in your air conditioner causes health risks
Mould growing in your air conditioner can have a wide range of effects, ranging from mild symptoms to serious illness.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
Some symptoms of toxic mold syndrome are respiratory issues as well as muscle and body aches. You can also experience emotional distress as well as cognitive impairment.
“For people with intact immune systems, mold can cause—or worsen—allergic reactions and asthmatic symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing,” Johnson-Arbor adds. “Fungal infections, which can involve the blood, brain, lungs, or other organs, are more common in people with weakened immune systems.”
When mold spores are inhaled, immune system cells surround and destroy them. But people who have a weakened immune system from illness or immunosuppressant medications have fewer infection-fighting cells. This allows aspergillus to take hold, invading the lungs and, in the most serious cases, other parts of the body.
The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound.
Your local Aire Serv can identify the root cause and stop mold from re-infiltrating your HVAC air ducts with tools like dehumidifiers. Our service professionals are dedicated to keeping your home's air healthy and your HVAC working its best with air duct cleaning, installation, and repair services you can rely on.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.