My Moldy Crawlspace

Having a properly encapsulated crawlspace will help to prevent mold and improve the overall air quality in the house. Once the crawlspace has been dealt with it is time to insure the HVAC duct work in the house is up to par as well.

Most folks mistakenly assume that the air that comes out of those little vents and registers in their walls and floors is clean, and that’s usually the case, but the air ducts and ventilation systems behind those vents and registers can sometimes hide a host of allergens and other potential air contaminants.

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there have been no studies showing that contaminated duct systems are a major health threat, but there are links between dirty duct systems and reduced air quality in the home. The EPA does advise that the dispersal of dust, allergens, and other contaminants back into the home could contribute to seasonal allergy symptoms, and might be a factor in contracting seasonal cold and flu viruses. So it’s a good idea to have your ducts inspected and cleaned, especially if you or your family has ongoing respiratory issues.

Before you hire a professional to clean your ducts you need to assess how dirty your system is, and if the dirt is more than what would be a normal accumulation over time. First and foremost if you detect mold or mildew around vents or registers it’s time to call a professional. Mold and mildew are warning signs that your system has been compromised in some way that is allowing moisture to accumulate in the duct work. This is not only a potential health problem, but could also be a sign that your HVAC system could be failing. Moisture shouldn’t be present in your ducts in large amounts, period. HVAC systems are designed to return dry air to the household, moisture is supposed to be collected and disposed of inside the main unit. If moisture is finding its way into your ducts something in the system isn’t operating as it should. If you detect mold, your next step should be contacting a certified HVAC installer to check your system or mold removal service.

Beyond mold you might be surprised what you find in air ducts. Ducts many times become a home for insects, rodents, and other vermin. Some intrusion from insects is inevitable. Bugs are small and find it an easy task to enter air ducts through vents, etc. A more serious indicator of a potentially larger problem is the presence of rodents, i.e. rats, mice, ground squirrels, etc. In order for something as large as a mouse to enter a system there has to be a significant gap or hole somewhere along the ductwork. While a mouse or two in your system isn’t really a health threat it does mean that your system is compromised. If something as large as a mouse can enter your ducts think of all the dust and dirt that gap is letting in!

Whether your system is showing signs of dirty duct work, mold, or even a mouse it’s important to consider that as a sign to have your system inspected, and/or cleaned and repaired. After all, if you’re worried about breathing the air outside shouldn’t you be able to breath easy in the comfort of your own home?