How to Prevent Black Mold in Your HVAC System

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Walls in the basement were damaged by water and mold

Black Mold Is Very Dangerous But Easily Preventable

By now, everyone has heard of black mold. In case you haven't, it is a dangerous form of toxic mold that grows in a variety of environments. It is named for its color and can cause a lot of effects, but there are ways to prevent it.

Keep Your Filters Clean
If you use replaceable filters, replace them every 30 to 60 days, depending on your business. If you have washable filters, make sure you wash them regularly with an approved mold preventative cleaner. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it also prevents other issues.

Look for Wet Spots
Wet spots can appear in several ways. Some of these ways are:

• Brown spots
• Sweating ducts
• Grey areas
• Black spots

When you see wet spots, it is extremely important to dry them as soon as possible because black mold grows very quickly.

Have Your Ducts Professionally Cleaned
You should have your air ducts professionally inspected and cleaned at least twice per year. This should happen in the spring and fall and can prevent mold or mildew build-up. It isn't difficult to find mold cleaning companies in Enumclaw, WA.

Keep an Eye on Humidity
Assuming you have clean ducts, you can use a hygrometer to measure the amount of humidity in, on or near your ductwork. These instruments are not expensive and can be placed almost anywhere you need them. You can also use a portable meter to measure humidity in whatever area you need to.

Fix Water Damage Immediately

In the event of a flood or leak, fix the damage immediately. It takes just 24 to 48 hours for mold to start to grow. Damaged ductwork and drywall need to be removed and replaced before mold has a chance to form.

Black mold is very dangerous but easily preventable. With a little bit of work, you can stop a major problem before it starts.