When black mold grows on walls floors carpets and so on it s relatively easy to spot.
What does black mold in air vents look like.
After cleaning the air vent and letting it dry i highly recommend coating the air vent with a sealing spray paint such as kilz which will help prevent new mold growth.
As cool air flows through the vents on hot days the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent.
However when black mold starts growing in your air vents things get a little trickier.
On hot days cool air that flows through the vents will cause the moisture in the air to condense inside the vent.
If you notice black dust around your air vents this.
It is best to go ahead and treat the vent if you see or smell mold without taking steps to determining exactly what type of mold might be present.
Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold.
Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold.
When the heat or air conditioning is turned on hundreds of thousands of mold spores blow out into the house.
Mold in hvac heating ventilation and air conditioning systems like that shown below is particularly problematic because homeowners often don t realize it s there.
Common causes of black mold in air vents.
Mold spores can be spread through the air so it is no wonder that some can also grow and get stuck in air ducts.
You may have black mold in your air ducts if you notice any of the following signs.
It s likely that mold developed in the unit over the winter and you didn t notice it until you turned.
In addition mold may appears as spots or different colors and it often has a distinct odor.
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.
You may also be able to see the presence of mold around drip pans air ducts and within intake vents.
If the air vent is very old and rusted it is a good idea to scrape away all rust and rough patches with a wire brush.
Black dust around air vents.
Condenser coils pull moisture out of the air and into drip pans and if these become clogged they create the perfect environment for mold to grow.
Those mold spores can make you sick.
Because of its presence then mold starts to grow.
Look for the first signs of mold around ac vents in the ducts and in the drip pans.
Mold does have a tendency to grow inside air conditioners that sit unused for a while.
Take a good look and a good whiff at the vent.