Clear the Air: How to Address Mold in Your HVAC System for a Healtheir Home

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Mold can spread quickly through your home if your HVAC is not maintained.

Mold is a common problem in households, and it can grow in many different places, including your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. HVAC systems provide an ideal environment for mold growth, as they create a damp, warm atmosphere. Mold in your HVAC system can cause secondary damages, as it can spread mold spores throughout your home. In this blog, we will discuss how to address mold in your HVAC system.

Identify the Source of the Mold

The first step in addressing mold in your HVAC system is to identify the source of the problem. Inspect your HVAC system thoroughly for any signs of mold growth. Look for visible mold on the vents, ductwork, and other components of your system.

Call in a Professional

Cleaning mold from your HVAC system is not a task that should be taken lightly. It's important to hire a professional to address the problem. A professional HVAC technician will have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove mold from your system. SERVPRO has professional experience and expertise to safely remove mold from your HVAC and ensure your home is mold free.

Inspect and Clean the Ductwork

The ductwork is the most likely place for mold to grow in your HVAC system. A professional HVAC technician will inspect the ductwork and clean it thoroughly to remove any mold growth.

Replace Air Filters

Mold spores can accumulate in your HVAC system's air filters, which can lead to further mold growth. Replace your air filters regularly to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout your home.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is key to preventing mold growth. Have your system serviced by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year. This will ensure that your system is clean and functioning properly, and can prevent future mold growth.

Addressing mold in your HVAC system is a task that should be left to professionals. 
Mold can pose a significant threat to both your health and the integrity of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Mold thrives in moist and humid environments, making the dark and damp areas of your HVAC system an ideal breeding ground. Once mold spores find their way into the system, they can spread quickly through the air ducts, contaminating the air you breathe and causing various respiratory issues. Moreover, mold can compromise the efficiency and functionality of your HVAC system by clogging air filters, obstructing airflows, and damaging vital components such as coils and insulation. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection of your HVAC system, is essential to prevent mold growth and ensure a healthy and efficient indoor environment.

Identify the source of the mold, call in a professional, inspect and clean the ductwork, replace air filters, and maintain your HVAC system regularly. By following these steps, you can prevent mold growth in your HVAC system and ensure a healthy indoor environment.

Black Mold: Everything You Need to Know

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

Black mold is one of the most common types of mold.

Black mold is one of the most common types of mold. If you see black mold in your home, it may be growing behind a wall or in the attic. Black mold can also grow on porous building materials like wood, drywall, and ceiling tiles if they're exposed to moisture for long periods of time.

Black Mold in Your Home

You can find black mold in other areas of your home, as well. Black mold will grow on wood, drywall, and other porous surfaces like carpets. The bathroom, kitchen, and basement are common places for black mold growth to occur because these rooms have high moisture levels which make it easier for mold spores to grow. If you have an attic or crawlspace in your home then these are also likely places where you may see black mold growing.

Mold Inspection

Mold inspection is necessary in order to determine the extent of the mold problem. You'll want to hire a professional certified individual or company who can provide you with an accurate assessment of your particular situation. This may include visual inspection, black light inspection, moisture meter testing, and more.

Remediating the Mold

If you discover black mold, don't try to remove it yourself. Black mold is often dangerous and should be handled by professionals trained in mold removal. If you discover black mold, don't try to remove it yourself. Black mold is often dangerous and should be handled by professionals trained in mold removal.

Mold remediation involves thorough cleaning of the affected area with specialized products to kill off any remaining spores or fungal growth. This may include using HEPA vacuums, sterile cloths, negative air machines and other equipment depending on the severity of your situation.

Mold removal can take a few days or weeks depending on how large the infestation is and whether or not you have to tear down parts of your home to get rid of it all. If you hire a professional, they'll remove all traces of black mold from your home and then sanitize everything with chemicals that are safe for humans but toxic for molds (like hydrogen peroxide). They'll also use ultraviolet lights that kill any remaining spores so that no new colonies can grow back in their place.

The professionals will wear protective gear like respirators and goggles so as not to breathe in too much dust while removing the infected areas. They will take protective measures against the mold to protect the rest of your home as well. 

If you believe that you have black mold, it is important to call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of St. Louis County. We are certified by the IICRC and licensed. Black mold can be hazardous, so it's important to get it removed as soon as possible. If you're looking for a professional remediation company in the St. Louis, MO area, contact us today!