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.
Discoloration Around Vents
If you can see brown, black, green, or yellow discoloration around any of the vents in your home, you probably have mold growing somewhere in the ductwork. Usually, you'll find the mold right near the affected vent, but in some cases, the problem becomes systemic.
There are some kits that only test for the presence of mold on surfaces, while others collect or grow samples of the mold that may be in your home. In order to test for mold spores yourself without the help of a professional, you should purchase a viable mold test kit. These can range in price from about $20-$45.
Vinegar: It's common to see mold on ceilings near moldy HVAC vents. To clean it, pour vinegar into a spray bottle, spray the moldy area, and wait one hour. Soak a clean cloth in plain water and wipe away the mold. If you find hardened fungus and stains, use a scrubbing brush with firm bristles.
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.
Removing mold infestation from air ducts requires the use of professional techniques and tools. The project may cost somewhere between $550 to $2,200, as the cleaners have to be thorough to ensure that no spores are left behind.
Testing for Mold Toxicity
Common testing methods include: Urine Tests: These measure metabolites of mold and mycotoxins, offering insights into the body's mold exposure. Environmental Testing: This involves inspecting homes or workplaces for mold presence, often using specialized equipment.
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.
In the same way that smoke detectors identify smoke, not fire, the Biomatrix Mold Monitor identifies unseen moisture that can lead to widespread mold growth.
In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.
Buy a Mold Test Kit
You can buy DIY mold test kits online and in most home-improvement stores. They typically come with a Petri dish that collects spores from the air, and are most effective when placed in areas that are most likely to have moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens and basements, says Miciano.
The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.
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.
Climb into your attic, crawlspace and/or basement and take a look at the ducts that are visible. Look at each section of duct and connection for obvious gaps, disconnections and tears. Also, look for areas of the ducts which have duct tape affixed. This is a sign that duct leaks have likely been patched before.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
Culture testing involves collecting a sample of mold growth and growing it in a laboratory. This can identify the specific type of mold present and determine its growth rate. However, it can take several days to get the results, and the process can be expensive.
There are many indoor air monitors available on the market, including the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor. Alternatively, you can buy another type of smart device that has air quality monitoring functionality, such as a tech-enabled air purifier, smart thermostat or indoor home security camera.
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.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure. They're absolutely painless, totally non-invasive, and incredibly easy to use.
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.
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.