What Does Black Mold In Air Vents Look Like

Black dust around air vents.

What does black mold in air vents look like.

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. On hot days cool air that flows through the vents will cause the moisture in the air to condense inside the vent. You may also be able to see the presence of mold around drip pans air ducts and within intake vents.

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. According to the cdc the type of mold isn t important. 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. 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.

As cool air flows through the vents on hot days the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent. 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. When the heat or air conditioning is turned on hundreds of thousands of mold spores blow out into the house. Mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork.

In addition mold may appears as spots or different colors and it often has a distinct odor. You may have black mold in your air ducts if you notice any of the following signs. 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. 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.

It s likely that mold developed in the unit over the winter and you didn t notice it until you turned. When black mold grows on walls floors carpets and so on it s relatively easy to spot. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system creating a habitat for moisture loving mold. Take a good look and a good whiff at the vent.

You can see the same principle at work when you drink an icy beverage and water beads up on the outside of the glass. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Because of its presence then mold starts to grow. Those mold spores can make you sick.

However when black mold starts growing in your air vents things get a little trickier.