Black Mold Signs

Mold contamination in residential air vents is one of the biggest challenges you may face as a homeowner or tenant. Your HVAC system is the perfect breeding ground for mold providing moisture, darkness, and nutrition for mold to thrive.

If you’re wondering where mold gets its nourishment, it usually comes in the form of regular home dust.

The challenge in properly identifying mold is in the fact that different molds have similar appearances making it difficult to tell them apart. For example, black mold is black but also comes with greenish hues in some instances.

Black mold produces mycotoxins (toxic substances), which are at the root of a major health hazard known as “Sick Building Syndrome,”. This is a condition in which people in buildings experience symptoms of illness or become infected with chronic disease as a result of the building in which they work or live.

Such toxins can cause allergic reactions in people and animals. 

If you suspect mold is lurking in your home, look for the following signs of black mold in air vents:

1. Black Dust on Air Vents

Black dust on vents is among the most common evidence of black mold in air vents. If you notice black dust on the surface of an air vent that is difficult to clean, it’s most likely mold or mildew, and an early sign that black mold is infesting your air vents.

Mold spores in your air duct system can move through your vents and turn to black dust.

Mold can form on the air vents itself when dust accumulates on the surface, providing a nutrient source for the mold. Cleaning noticeable mold on vents is highly recommended because the mold can spread spores into the air, creating potential health risks.

2. Visible Mold Inside the Air Handler

Mold can sprout along the inside of the central HVAC unit and ductwork as well as on the surface of air vents. Mold can be brown or white. so make sure you don’t mistake it for drywall dust, which is commonly found in new homes.

The HVAC air handler serves as the central location for mold to develop and spread throughout your home. Mold thrives in furnaces and air handlers because they collect plenty of moisture and are typically dusty environments. At least 1 in every 10 homes have mold growing inside the air handler.

3. Musty Odor

If you notice a musty odor, it’s a strong indicator you’re in the presence of mold. Additionally, if your HVAC system emits a musty odor when turned on, it’s a definite indicator of mold in the system.

When a mold problem is discovered in its early stages, one of the first signs is musty earthy odor coming from the vents.

4. Forgetfulness or Brain Fog

The presence of black mold in the air vents might lead to brain fog. Brain fog or forgetfulness is just as common as respiratory tract ailments caused due to mold infestation.

5. Constant Fatigue or Tiring Easily

If you’re feeling tired for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of mold in the ducting. It’s possible that contaminated air ducts are triggering your fatigue, especially when you turn on the HVAC system.

6. Itching and Allergic Symptoms

Allergic reactions like irritated eyes, skin, and stuffy nose, are some of the most telltale signs of mold exposure. Mold can also induce a reddish tinge to your eyes and skin, causing inflammation as well. 

7. Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms

Mold exposure has also been associated with upper respiratory tract ailments. Coughing, wheezing, and even hypersensitivity pneumonitis can occur in persons who are vulnerable.

Mold can also trigger asthma in asthma sufferers and those who don’t even have asthma prior to mold exposure.

Health and Safety First

To keep your home healthy and safe, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is mold free. Your air conditioner brings a set of maintenance needs that require cleaning the vents and other compartments.

With proper monitoring and cleaning, your HVAC system will last longer, and help you maintain a clean home environment.

Contact us to ensure your air conditioner and vents are mold free. We offer FREE mold inspection and removal services available at reasonable prices.  Schedule an appointment and call us today at 240-970-6533!