That black dust around your air conditioner vents could be the first specks of mold trying to move from your air system (filling your air with breathable mold spores) into the rest of the house. If the vents smell like sour laundry, act immediately.
If the HVAC system is the suspected source, inspect it.
Black particles from the HVAC system are typically mold, rust or insulation.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mould)
It produces mycotoxins, which can be toxic when inhaled or touched. Exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, and skin irritation.
Solutions for Black Dust
Switching to cleaner-burning candles can reduce soot production. Installing an air filtration or air purification system may help alleviate the problem. However, if leaky ducts are the culprit, contacting a professional is recommended to address the resultant dust and increased energy costs.
Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.
Spray alkaline coil cleaner over the fins and coils. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions on how to do this safely. Let the cleaner set and drip for the time specified in the manufacturer's directions. Spray off the cleaner with water in a spray bottle.
If an A/C system is found to contain sludge or black gunk, it means everything in the system is contaminated and must either be cleaned or replaced. “Black Death” occurs when moisture enters the system, reacts with the refrigerant and oil to form acids and sludge.
One particular mold to keep an eye out for is Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold. Black mold is notorious for its high toxicity and the serious health problems it can cause. It usually appears as a slimy black layer, but if it dries out, it can resemble black dust.
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.
Finding black mold in your air vents is more than just an annoyance—it can actually be toxic and impact your health every time your HVAC system runs. Mold spores travel through the air, spreading contamination throughout your home, and the longer you wait, the worse the problem gets.
There are various symptoms of air conditioning sickness. Some of the symptoms are respiratory issues, nose or throat irritation, coughing and sneezing, fatigue and headaches, and sore muscles and joints.
Before you panic, rest assured that white slime isn't uncommon. It's a biofilm composed mainly of bacteria called Zooglea. Zooglea forms a protective layer around itself, thriving in the dark, damp environment of your AC's drain pan.
Soot particles released by wood fires or incomplete combustion of candle oils coalesce over time, forming black dust. It will continue to collect if surfaces aren't cleaned every day. The dust can accumulate on walls, windows, and cabinets as well as behind doors and in crevices if your home isn't well-ventilated.
Mold is a very concerning cause of black filters. The black appearance on filters can sometimes be black mold. This occurs when moisture from air conditioning condensation gets transferred to the air filter. Humid conditions and wet environments invite mold.
That black dust around your air conditioner vents could be the first specks of mold trying to move from your air system (filling your air with breathable mold spores) into the rest of the house. If the vents smell like sour laundry, act immediately.
Mold Around The Air Ducts
One of the Signs of Mold in Air Conditioner is when you see it growing around your AC system and air ducts. Once you notice mold or excessive debris around your air conditioner, call us immediately. Black mold cleaning service will be done by professionals with testing included.
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.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar proves effective on just about any slime. The chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar, which has antibacterial properties, can break up the slime. If you pour in boiling water after you dump in the vinegar and baking soda combo, it will wash away any leftover slime.
If you see black spots or black dust appearing around air vents, there's a good chance that mold is growing inside.
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
Keep Up With Air Filter Changes
In fact, a clogged air filter can actually harbor mold growth, especially if the filter is exposed to moisture due to a leak or excessive humidity. To prevent mold from circulating throughout your air conditioner, you should replace your air filter on a regular basis.