7 Common Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents

Do you notice black stuff around air vents? In this article, we’ll be discussing common signs of black mold presence in air vents.

Also called Stachybotrys chartarum, black molds are identified by their color hence the name. It’s important to note that this mold species though black isn’t always so.

There are varying color hues such as gray or dark greenish-black.

Identifying Mold In Vents

Black molds are considered serious problems to deal with due to their toxicity and level of the health risk posed. As such, it becomes vital to properly identify these molds as early as possible.

Identifying the signs is crucial to take the appropriate action. Without this knowledge, the problem can only worsen.

• General Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure

A lot of times, mold presence isn’t noticed when it begins until certain symptoms begin to manifest. Such symptoms are health-related and include sore throat, coughing, skin rash, wheezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose.

There are always underlying reasons or causes for such symptoms.

When any of these symptoms appear, it’s time to probe your surroundings for mold presence. Here, your vent should be one of the first places you look.

Symptoms tend to be more serious in persons having weakened immune systems. When any of these signs are noticed, it’s time to take a look at your air vents.

Signs of Black Mold In AC Ducts And Vents

Without knowing what signs to look for, there’s little you can do to find out or determine black mold presence. This is where it becomes necessary to know what these signs are.

Common signs of black mold presence in air vents include wheezing & coughing, musty odor, and allergies.

You’ll also need to look out for black dust around your vent covers, inexplicable fatigue, actual mold within the air handler, and brain fog.

Any or all of these symptoms are clear signs to proceed with black mold treatment in your air vent. For more detailed information on these signs, let’s briefly discuss each.

• Wheezing & Coughing

As mentioned earlier, one of the early signs of mold present in a home includes wheezing and coughing.

This will be common with the most vulnerable occupants within a home. Asthmatic persons are likely to have such conditions triggered more frequently.

When upper respiratory tract symptoms as these become often, it’s high time you find the causal factors which in most cases is black mold presence.

Your home’s ventilation outlets such as the air vents should be the focus of your assessment. You may want to call for a professional mold inspection.

• Musty Odor

Like every other mold type, black molds give off gases that have musty odors.

Such odor is likely to worsen when mold growth is full-blown. Your home’s indoor surroundings are likely to be permeated by this musty odor. You’ll need to find the cause of the problem and have it fixed as soon as you can.

Your air vents are likely to serve as hotspots for black mold growth. As a matter of fact, a significant part of the foul odor could come from your air vents.

If you can’t seem to figure out whether or not your air vents are compromised, consider having a mold remediation expert take a look.

• Allergies

Allergic symptoms are among common signs pointing to the likely presence of black mold in air vents. As air passes through these vents, it carries tons of microscopic black mold spores. These permeate every space within the home.

The resulting conditions are allergic reactions such as a stuffy nose and itchy eyes and skin.

All or some of these allergic reactions may be noticed. When noticed, seek professional help immediately. This will require inspecting your living space as well as the air vents of any black molds present.

• Black Dust Around Vent Covers

There are situations where visual inspections are necessary as they help identify any abnormal signs signifying black mold growth. Take a look at your vents as well as vent covers to see whether there is black dust or stains around.

Not all black dust around vent covers qualify as black mold growth.

Try cleaning the vent covers to see if it wipes off. When it doesn’t, you’re likely to have mold or mildew growth on your hands. In situations where dust accumulates on air vent covers, mold growth is likely to follow.

To be certain about what you’re dealing with, consider calling for a professional inspection.

• Inexplicable Fatigue

There are times when you may experience fatigue without reason. While there may be several causes for such, you may need to assess your home for black mold when the frequency increases.

With black mold growth and presence comes inexplicable fatigue. Conditions could worsen when immediate action isn’t taken.

• Actual Mold Within Air Handler

When moisture issues become worse, they could give rise to mold growth in HVAC units.

This spreads to the whole ductwork leading to permeation of your surroundings with black mold spores. A closer look or examination of your air vent interior is necessary.

A lot of homeowners might not have the capacity or tools necessary for detailed inspection. This is when it’s best to have a professional check your air vents.

• Brain Fog

One of many conditions you may experience when your air vents harbor black mold is brain fog.

This can be a precursor to other health conditions such as respiratory tract issues. You’ll need to see a health specialist and also call for professional mold inspection and possible treatments.

Fixing the Underlying Issues

Black mold presence in air vents is only a symptom brought about by moisture presence.

As such, it’s never enough to focus only on the effects, but also take necessary action on resolving the cause. Taking this two-pronged approach helps provide lasting solutions.

DIY Vs Professional Mold Removal

Once mold presence is established, you’ll need to decide how you want to proceed with its removal. Two options are always available; taking the DIY route to black mold removal or calling for professional treatment.

Experience has shown that it’s best to have a mold remediation contractor perform your treatment as such methods are most comprehensive.

A lot of issues are likely to come up with DIY control in addition to the risks involved during treatment.

Mold on Air Vents in Apartment

The above signs of black mold presence in air vents will require calling for competent help. When any or all of the symptoms discussed are observed, it’s likely to be due to black mold presence.

Further, inspection is necessary to confirm such suspicions.