Make Sure Ductwork Gets Cleaned After Mold Remediation

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can often be spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. It's important that SERVPRO technicians clean the ductwork of mold infestations.

SERVPRO Applies Extensive Knowledge and Advanced Methods to Remediate any Size Mold Infestation in Clearwater Properties

One of the worst times to find out you have a mold problem is during the renovation of your home. When SERVPRO handles the cleanup for damage from mold infestations, the ductwork often has issues from the airborne mold spores. Air samples in the home, and within the air handler closet for the HVAC system, need to be taken. If the results come back at levels that necessitate cleaning of the handler and ductwork, our technicians have the training and equipment to get the job done.

Can My Air Conditioner Cause the Need for Mold Remediation/HVAC Cleaning?

Unfortunately, the primary way an air conditioner works as a condensation cooling system, creates a friendly environment for mold. This often necessitates the need for mold remediation in homes, mainly when the collected moisture does not get adequately diverted away. This happens most often when there is a clog in the condensate drain.

Because airborne mold spores are ubiquitous, they float harmlessly both inside and outside homes and do not germinate until they encounter the right conditions for growth such as: 

• Somewhere to grow (dust in air ducts is ideal)
• Air moisture that is 50% or higher
• When these conditions are maintained for 48-72 hours

Once established, the colonies can grow at a rapid pace and spread throughout the home via the HVAC ductwork. If spores from these colonies encounter conditions elsewhere in the house favorable to the establishment of new colonies, the infestation can spread rapidly.

SERVPRO technicians found in this home that the mold spread into a closet where there was an air leak due to improper installation of the HVAC air handler unit.

The techs removed the air handler to dry out the collected moisture and perform abatement on the mold growth within. They also cleaned the ductwork throughout the home. Unfortunately, some of the sheetrock and the carpet with mold damage required disposal. 

Once the remediation efforts were completed, an industrial hygienist conducted a clearance test to determine through air sampling if the mold infestation had been cleared.

If your home needs mold remediation/HVAC cleaning, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Clearwater North Safety Harbor (727) 250-0330. Our certified technicians work to ensure your home gets proper remediation as required by law for the best outcome after a mold infestation of any size.