Mould growth in ductwork is something we all fear in all of our homes. An entire home sale can be derailed with the smallest hint of mould, and our sense of well-being in our houses can be disrupted when mould is present. Mould can be highly dangerous as well, and that is why it must be taken seriously.

The problem is people will look for mould on the walls, and in areas where water may be present, but they forget one of the most important places in their home; air ducts.

Our furnaces blow warm air to us throughout the winter, and when mould is in the ducts, that furnace is blowing mould spores into the air around us without anyone even realizing it.

This is why it is extremely important to have air ducts not only inspected, but cleaned, to prevent mould from appearing.

How Mould Grows

If the humidity in your home is too high, mould can grow anywhere, including within your ductwork. Having mould growth in your ductwork does not mean you are not a good housekeeper, it means that there is excessive moisture in your home, and that is creating the perfect place for mould to grow. Sources of water, with dust and dirt, can cause real problems with mould in your air ducts. Mould requires a stable temperature, food source and moisture. Dust and dirt make great mould food, while the furnace provides stable temperatures and humid conditions… mould will spread fast!

Preventing Mould in Your Duct Work

There are many ways that you can prevent mould from growing in your air ducts. Preventing mould is much easier when compared with getting rid of it once it is there, and much cheaper as well. For one, keep the humidity level in your home between 40 and 60 percent. You can use a dehumidifier in areas where it is damp, to prevent the humidity from getting too high.

Try to have proper ventilation in your home, especially exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom, and ensure the dryer vent goes outside the home.

Look around the home and fix any leaks where moisture may be coming in. Clean your bathrooms with mould-killing products, and remove any carpets that have become soaked or are not drying properly.

Get A Professional

If you are thinking of having your ducts cleaned and the mould removed, hire a professional! You want to make sure the job is done right, otherwise, you are just going to keep paying to have someone come in and clean out the mould. Instead, hire a professional through NADCA, which is an organization for duct cleaning professionals. These professionals are not only trained to deal with mould problems, but they have signed a Code of Ethics that ensures they will provide professional service to all their customers.

When you are dealing with mould, you don’t want to go with someone who does not know what they are doing. One in ten people have severe allergic reactions to mould, and if mould is in your home, the problem will only get worse. Our Climate Works Duct Cleaning Division is trusted by hospitals, businesses, and homeowners across the National Capital Region.

Click here to schedule your NADCA Certified Duct Cleaning!