Detecting Mold in Your Home
Carroll’s Spring Focus on Indoor Air Quality series – Part 3 of 4
In our first and second posts of this Indoor Air Quality series, we talked about the importance of keeping your home air healthy, and showed you some ways to do that. This week, we’ll focus on one the biggest threats to healthy air at home: mold.
Mold is a fungus whose spores make up a large portion of the dust in your home. Most of the time, mold doesn’t pose a threat to us – in fact, most of us breath at least some of it every day, especially outdoors.
But indoors, mold growth can be problematic or even dangerous. Mold can cause everything from minor respiratory problems such as itchy eyes and coughs to more serious problems, including asthma and even brain damage.
Mold can become particularly dangerous when it’s in your HVAC system, where it can easily circulate throughout your home.
Your HVAC System – A Potential Breeding Ground for Mold
Because it is home to both heat an moisture (condensation), your HVAC system can be a perfect environment for mold growth. Left untreated, mold can spread through the air in your home and make your family sick.
Becoming aware of the warning signs of mold can keep your family healthy and safe. Here are three easy ways to look out for mold in your home:
- Use your eyes – Make mold inspection part of your regular cleaning routine.
Pay special attention to your ductwork, evaporator coils, and AC and furnace drip pans – or anywhere else where moisture pools (blocked drains, areas where condensation gathers, etc.). - Use your nose – Mold in your ductwork gives off a strong mildew smell. If you smell mildew, turn off your HVAC system, wait 15-20 minutes, and turn it back on. If the smell disappears or weakens when your system is off and returns when you turn it back on, you may have mold in your ductwork.
- If you’re not sure, call in a pro – If you don’t see or smell mold, you probably don’t have a mold problem – but the only way to know for sure is to have your system tested and serviced by a professional with the right equipment and the right training. If you need help, Call Carroll.
Being aware of the early signs of mold can be a huge quality of life-saver for your family. The only thing better than detecting mold early? Preventing it from forming and spreading in the first place. More on that next week.
Next week: Preventing Mold in Your Home
