Does My Ductwork Need Cleaning After Mold Damage Remediation?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Growth in HVAC system or plenum? Call SERVPRO for fast remediation in the Palmdale area.

SERVPRO applies their extensive knowledge and advanced methods to remediate any size mold infestation in Palmdale properties

One of the worst times to find out you have a mold problem is during the renovation of your Palmdale home. When SERVPRO handles the cleanup for damage from mold infestations, the ductwork often has issues from the airborne mold spores. Through the use of the services from a trusted mold assessment company, air samples in the home, and within the air handler closet for the HVAC system, get taken. If the results come back at levels that necessitate cleaning of the handler and ductwork, the 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, which necessitates the need for mold remediation/HVAC cleaning in Palmdale homes, mainly when the collected moisture does not get adequately diverted away, most often due to 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
• These conditions 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 technicians adhere to the mold remediation protocols as developed by a licensed industrial hygienist as required by law.

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 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 Dunedin / Palm Harbor South (727) 793-1333. 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.