Steps for Air Duct Mold Removal
1/10/2019 (Permalink)
Steps for Air Duct Mold Removal
For a business in Santa Maria, CA, finding mold in the ductwork can be alarming, especially if it could be black mold. It’s important to get rid of this fungus as quickly as possible to help prevent its spread, and to keep your building and staff safe. Here are some steps you may need to take.
1. Identify Mold in the Ventilation System
When determining if there is mold in the air ducts, there are a couple of signs to look for. The appearance of black dust around vent openings is one. This dust may be patchy in appearance and difficult to clean. Another easy-to-recognize indication is the presence of a musty, unpleasant odor issuing from the ductwork. This may grow stronger when the AC unit is turned on.
2. Thoroughly Examine the Area
Because black mold can spread to other areas, it’s important to thoroughly examine the ventilation system. This includes any surrounding insulation or connected systems.
3. Clean and Sanitize the System
Once the mold is located, a mold remediation professional can be contacted if you have not already done so. He or she can thoroughly clean the ductwork and any other affected areas, perform the required sanitation, and help implement any further preventive measures that may be needed.
4. Prevent Future Growth
In order to maintain clean ducts, it’s important to do what you can to prevent future mold growth. Some maintenance steps to consider include regularly changing filters, having the ducts professionally cleaned bi-annually, fixing any water damage issues as soon as possible, and closely monitoring the building's humidity levels.
The removal of black mold from your company building is important both for the building and anyone who may work there. It’s essential for full mold removal to examine the area surrounding the ductwork as well as the ducts themselves. Fully clean and sanitize the system, and be sure to deal with any moisture or water damage you may find. A mold specialist can help with every step of this process.