“Duct cleaning in Melbourne starting from $10 per Duct”
Hot and damp environments are breeding grounds for mould – a fungus that can accumulate in and spread through your air ducts. This can reduce indoor air quality, affect the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system and cause various health issues, in addition to leading to property damage and unpleasant odours. It’s very important to organise a duct cleaning service to remove mould if and when it begins to circulate. This blog post takes a closer look at facts regarding mould, including the various types, causes and signs. You’ll also find more information about how to deal with mould and prevent it from growing in the future.
Causes of Mould
Moisture, warm temperatures and poor ventilation create ideal environments for mould to grow. One of the most common causes of mould is having an oversized air conditioning unit that cools a space too quickly. This is because they turn off before dehumidifying the air, which leads to excess moisture that builds up and allows mould to grow. Setting AC units on very low temperatures can also cause mould growth as the cool air from the vents comes into contact with warm air in the room. Moisture in the air condenses on surfaces in and around the ducts, turning them into the perfect habitat for mould. Leaking ducts can also cause the same the problem.
Types of Mould
Any plan to deal with mould requires you to know what type and severity it is. Mould comes in various forms and colours, some of which include:
- Acremonium – Grows around air vents over months or years as a result of cooling coils and humidifiers, appearing as a powdery substance in various colours such as white and orange
- Alternaria – A common form of mould with a velvet-like texture that shows up in dark green or brown colours, thriving in damp areas and spreading quickly.
- Chaetomium – A brown cotton-like substance that grows in water damaged areas and tends to change colour over time, making it difficult to distinguish from other types of mould.
- Mucor – A highly toxic type of mould commonly found in air conditioning units that can spread to air ducts, necessitating immediate remediation.
- Stachybotrys – A black toxic mould that can cause various health issues and is easy to spot, but often goes unnoticed as it forms deep inside air ducts with a good amount of moisture.
Signs of Mould
There are multiple signs and symptoms of mould in and around your air ducts, including:
- A musty and unpleasant odour when your HVAC system is running
- Visible mould in the vicinity of air vents, grilles and drip pans
- Allergy-like symptoms such as congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing
Other health issues that signify the presence of mould can include fever, insomnia, nausea, dizziness and headaches. It’s worth arranging duct cleaning in Melbourne if any of these signs are apparent.
How to Deal with Mould in Air Ducts
It’s important to deal with mouldy air ducts as soon as possible to minimise damage, health issues and expenses. If you suspect your air ducts contain mould, avoid running the HVAC unit and arrange for a professional to come out and inspect the ducts. DIY methods are available but generally not recommended, as there are risks involved and they don’t always get the job done fully. Professionals are highly trained and well-equipped to provide duct cleaning that ensures every trace of mould is eliminated. Some preventative measures can help ensure mould doesn’t grow again, such as maintaining dry environments, repairing water leaks promptly, cleaning ducts regularly and using quality filters.
Book Our Professional Duct Cleaning Services Today
If you need duct cleaning in Melbourne to remove mould from your air ducts, look no further than Mr Duct Cleaning for a reliable, efficient, cost-effective and comprehensive service. Get in touch with our experts to book our services or learn more useful facts about mould in air ducts, including the signs and how to deal with it. You can reach us by calling 1300 673 828 or enquiring online to learn more and get a free quote.
