What You Need To Know About Mold in the HVAC Unit

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Clean ducts are mold-free ducts

If you’ve been noticing the smell of mold in your building, but can’t seem to find evidence of black mold anywhere, your HVAC unit could be the culprit. Mold spores naturally exist indoors and out, but in closed office spaces, where the windows rarely open, the spores may collect in the HVAC unit and emit the smell throughout the space.

The Cause of Mold Infestation

Many people may not think of air ducts as the ideal place for mold to hang out, because it shoots out a lot of cold air during the warmer months. However, condensation may form in the unit as it pushes out cold air, which creates a haven for black mold. The mold then gets nutrients from particles in the air that cycle through the HVAC from the office. These include:

• Animal dander
  
• Indoor dust
  
• Pollen
  
  

Signs of Mold in the HVAC Unit

Because you may not be able to see the mold in the HVAC unit, it may be difficult to tell if mold is the problem without a professional mold inspection. Even so, you may be able to detect mold by the strong mildew smell. People who are sensitive to mold may also suddenly find that they feel most comfortable outside or when windows are open.

Cleaning the Ducts

Clean ducts are mold-free ducts, even though you may need to do this routinely to maintain it. When professionals clean air ducts, they use a biocide that is safe for people to breathe in. Even so, it may be best to schedule a cleaning during days when business is not in operation as the air may need to be turned off during cleaning.

Black mold is a stubborn problem faced by many buildings in Arlington Heights, IL. While there is no foolproof way to prevent in, many property managers and business owners remedy the problem through routine air duct cleanings and using HEPA filters.