Finding mold on your A/C vents is a bit of a jarring discovery. The good news is, for the most part, it is a minor problem that you can fix easily. 

Spotting and Removing Mold

When you spot mold, you will likely want to remove it ASAP— which we do recommend since mold spreads as fast as lightning. There are a couple of things you should do immediately after finding mold in your air conditioning vents.

  • Stop the HVAC unit: Once you find or believe that mold is growing in your air conditioning ducts, stop running the system immediately. Failing to do so could cause mold to spread further throughout your home.
  • Schedule a mold test: The only way to ensure what you have found is, in fact, mold is to get a professional mold test. 
  • Examine the air duct type: You should find out what your ductwork is made of, whether fiberglass, metal sheet, or flex duct. How you should clean and what you should use to clean an A/C duct depends on what the duct is made of. Removing mold from bare sheet metal is a lot easier. But, if your air ducts are made of fiberglass or insulated internally with fiberglass duct liner, they can’t be effectively cleaned and must be replaced.

Why does mold grow on A/C vents?

Moisture that forms on its metal vents when the air conditioner does its job is a vessel for mold growth. Dust then accumulates on the surface, which is a food source for mold. Cleaning the visible mold in vents is strongly encouraged because it can release spores into the air, possibly causing harmful health effects.

Removing Mold from Air Conditioning Vents

Removing mold from A/C vents is a pretty simple process. Follow these steps to complete the task easily:

  1. Unscrew the vent from the wall or ceiling and bring it outside.
  2. Rinse off the vent with a garden hose.
  3. Apply a spray disinfectant to the vent.
  4. Allow the vent to soak for 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse the vent

Some people may suggest cleaning the grill without removing it. We don’t recommend this due to the dangers of the vent’s sharp metal that can easily cut your fingers when you can’t fully see it.

Preventing Mold in A/C Vents

Once the mold on your A/C vents is properly removed, you will want to keep it away. Here are some ways to do so:

  • Control your home’s humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area.
  • Fix all water leaks and remove standing water. Ensure A/C drain pans slope toward the drain to help remove standing water under the AC unit’s cooling coils.
  • Ensure your HVAC components and drain pans are accessible for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Is mold found on A/C vents dangerous?

Mold found on A/C vents is unlikely dangerous. This is because the material is typically metal or plastic, which is not porous. Since the vent itself is non-porous, the mold is only on the surface of the register grill and does not present danger.

Hire a Mold Removal Specialist

While it is possible to remove mold from your air conditioner vents yourself, you can always call in the experts. Hiring an expert will ensure the cleaning is done properly and safely. Hiring a professional mold specialist will also ensure the most specialized tools and cleaners are used to prevent mold from growing back. A professional mold specialist will also address the mold causes and how you can stop them.

For any mold concerns, big or small, feel free to reach out to us at TruClean. We specialize in mold remediation and would be happy to address any concerns you may have. 

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