Why Is There Mold Around Air Vents

Use a ladder to get better access into the vent.

Why is there mold around air vents.

As cool air flows through the vents on hot days the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent. Common causes of black mold in air vents. If you notice black dust around your air vents this could be a sign of black mold growing within. Also soak the sides and ceiling of the air vent to ensure that any microscopic mildew growth is also covered.

Black dust around air vents. You can see the same principle at work when you drink an icy beverage and water beads up on the outside of the glass. Let the solution sit on the growth for at least 20 minutes. What appears to be mold at first glance however might be dust adhering around the duct leakage point behind the register.

When mold grows within the central heating cooling and ventilation system there are high chances that every room connected to the vents receives generous amounts of mold spores. One of the first signs that black mold is growing in your air vents is a distinct musty mildew like smell in specific rooms or even throughout your entire home. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant musty smell. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold.

If there is black mold growing in your air vents you may notice a musty aroma when you run. Mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork. Air return registers will get dusty as air passes through them and being dirty is not a sign of mold being present. If people or pets in your home start exhibiting symptoms whenever the ac is on mold in air ducts might be the cause.

If there s enough mold in or around the vents it can spread in the air causing allergy like symptoms such as headaches nausea irritated nose and throat and itchy eyes. The black dust may be patchy and difficult to wipe off. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air so when warm humid air comes in contact with something cold it reaches dew point and makes condensation or water. Removing the vents on a normal basis for cleaning will prevent dusty build up.

Mold around an air conditioning register is a good reason to call a licensed air conditioning contractor for evaluation and repair before the problem causes damage that requires more expensive mitigation. As soon as you switch your heater or air conditioner on the microscopic particles start floating and blowing out with air into the room. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. You may also be able to see the presence of mold around drip pans air ducts and within intake vents.