Don’t Let Mold Ruin your Home’s Air Quality
Exposure to mold in your home can result in more than an unpleasant odor or an aversion to its presence. It could cause health problems for you or your family.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed September as National Mold Awareness Month, and there’s no time like the present to address this serious health risk. At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, our ductwork experts have some tips to help you determine if mold may be present in your air ducts and some advice on what to do if it is.
If you notice the following, there is a chance there might be mold in your ductwork:
- An odor of mildew. If you smell a musty odor, particularly when your home’s heating or air conditioning unit first starts, you may have some mold growth. You can smell it before you see it.
- Visible mold around the vents. Inspect your vents and drip pans. If you see mold growth on the vents in your home, around your condenser coils or in the drip pan, you obviously have a mold issue. Be aware, however, that the spores that carry mold are invisible to the naked eye, so relying on your sense of smell may be your first line of defense.
- Health issues. If you or your family exhibit any uncharacteristic allergy symptoms, headaches, nausea or irritation to your nose, eyes or skin, you may have mold in the ductwork.
What to Do With Mold
If you suspect you have a mold issue, the first thing you should do is clean any visible mold. But, you’ll need a mold cleanser to get rid of it effectively. Regular household cleaners can leave enough mold behind that it can easily grow back.
And, if the mold is deep within your system, your efforts may not be enough. If you suspect that you have a larger mold problem, you should call a licensed, professional HVAC expert. Trying to clean your ductwork could accidentally damage your ducts or your HVAC system itself.
Don’t risk your system or your indoor air quality by trying to clean your ductwork yourself. At C & C, our staff members are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and know how to thoroughly clean the interior surfaces of your ductwork, fans and blowers.
So, for National Mold Awareness Month, take some time to inspect your system to ensure you aren’t suffering from a mold infestation. And, if you suspect you have a problem, call C & C Heating & Air Conditioning today at (586) 439-3319 or contact us online to speak to one of our air quality specialists.
