Black Mold In My Air Vent

Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant musty smell.

Black mold in my air vent.

You may have black mold in your air ducts if you notice any of the following signs. The mold that may be present on a vent is not generally toxic but can cause an allergic type reaction such as coughing or sneezing. The black dust may be patchy and difficult to wipe off. Cleaning black mold from air conditioning vents because vents are not porous black mold in which the scientific term is stachybotrys does not grow on vents.

During humid summer months run your air conditioner to lower the indoor humidity that would otherwise help mold grow. You can see the same principle at work when you drink an icy beverage and water beads up on the outside of the glass. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold. The presence of mold is the symptom of a water issue a leak or moisture that you ll have to address.

Causes of mold in air vents when there is moisture stuck inside the system for too long it eventually paves the path for black mold growth. This usually happens during peak summers because the moisture in the air tends to condense inside the air vent. Mold can be found everywhere even in the air. Common causes of black mold in air vents mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork.

If you notice black dust around your air vents this could be a sign of black mold growing within. Look for the first signs of mold around ac vents in the ducts and in the drip pans. If you notice a recurring problem particularly in areas with poor ventilation or a lot of moisture get it checked out right away. Dangerous mold or toxic mold is rare and the color of the mold isn t an indication of how dangerous it is according to the cdc.

If there is black mold growing in your air vents you may notice a musty aroma when you run your ac. Mold and mildew in air vents and ducts can smell wet rotten or stale. Also check the air conditioner s condensation pipe which is known to spill. Black mold or stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish black mold that grows on materials such as fiberboard gypsum board paper lint and dust when there is moisture from water damage excessive humidity water leaks condensation water infiltration or flooding.

Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Most of the time dirt accumulates on ceilings because air is leaking in from the attic between the drywall and the supply register. When these particles build up enough over time you ll start to see them as the black stuff that is on your ceiling or around your supply register. When dirt and dust build up in air vents black mold can thrive which is why it s important to commit to a regular maintenance schedule.