Spore and mildew issues are quite common in Gretna, Louisiana, which can be a hassle for homeowners. Discovering signs of mildew in your HVAC system can be devastating, but it’s important to stay on top of these issues for the sake of your family’s overall health and well-being. If you’re worried about potential spore problems, here are things you need to know.

Mildew in HVAC Systems is a Common Complaint

It’s actually not unusual for spores to thrive in HVAC systems, resulting in mildew problems that can affect an entire home. While this is little consolation to homeowners dealing with the issue, it is nice to know that you’re not alone. Spores are sneaky and can grow and flourish without ever being seen, which means you likely won’t even notice a problem until someone in the home gets sick. Unfortunately, the fastest way for a building to spread spores is through a forced-air HVAC system.

In reality, however, spores are always present in your home — there’s simply more of them in hot, humid conditions and less of them in drier weather. Since you can never completely eliminate your HVAC system of spores, there are ways you can stay on top of it so your home doesn’t develop a mildew problem.

HVAC Spores Aggravate Asthma and Allergies

Another reason to actively combat spores in your ductwork is for the sake of family members who have asthma or allergies. Spores and mildew that have been upset (or forced through a home’s ventilation system) aggravate asthma and make it more difficult to breathe. Even if you don’t suffer from asthma, spores can wreak havoc on your respiratory system and nasal passages.

One of the first signs of mildew problems people often notice isn’t from the ductwork itself, but in dealing with ongoing respiratory issues. If you or someone in the home has a cold they can’t seem to shake or asthma symptoms that have gotten worse over time, you’ll want to have your ductwork inspected.

A Musty Smell is One of the Earliest Signs

Aside from dealing with respiratory and nasal issues, encountering a musty smell coming from your vents is one of the first signs of mildew most homeowners notice. An HVAC system should never smell musty, so this is a clear sign there are spores flourishing in your ductwork.

Recognizing this fact, however, is only the beginning. There’s really no way to determine where the mildew is growing without a proper inspection. Spores could be breeding on the air filter, in the heat pump coils, or anywhere else along the ducts, and finding the source is key to eliminating the issue.

Mildew on the Air Vents is Easily Spotted

Dirt and debris are supposed to build up on the back of your air vents, but mildew isn’t. Regularly changing your air filters is a great practice that allows you to inspect the air vents for any signs of spores. Changing your filter is also a good time to be mindful of any musty smells lingering on the dirty filter or the vents themselves. If you notice any spores or mildew, you know you have a problem.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

Unless you’ve had experience inspecting ductwork, you’ll need to contact an HVAC technician and schedule an inspection. It’s crucial to have your ducts inspected as soon as you’ve spotted a problem in order to reduce any further sickness or moisture damage in the home, but it’s equally important to have this inspection done by a professional. Inspecting ductwork for mold requires the use of a respirator and dehumidification equipment, and technicians will look for any areas of restricted airflow, condensation, and moisture to localize the problem.

Prevent Further Spore Issues

Identifying and addressing spore and mildew problems is the first step toward ensuring a healthy and happy home, but prevention is key. Thankfully, HVAC products such as whole-home dehumidifiers are designed to keep moisture in check and boost indoor air quality.

Contact Bryans United Air Conditioning at 504-208-2071 to schedule an HVAC inspection. And don’t forget to ask about our indoor air quality products. 

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