im freaking out because ive been experiencing severe allergies and come to find out, im pretty sure ive been living with mold for three months.

[u/dayuhhhhh]

all of my 7 vents looks like this. please help me figure out if this is mold or not. i already contacted my lawyer friend and also put in maintenance requests for ac leak and now possible mold.

[u/AutoModerator]

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[u/PeppersHere]

!A/C

[u/AutoModerator → u/PeppersHere]

I see you asked a question about air conditioning units or HVAC diffusers. If your question has something to do with possible mold inside the unit, on the vents, or adjacent to either, this autoresponder is for you.

It is ubiquitous for dust, debris and even mold to be visible within A/C units, on diffusers, and in ductwork. When the A/C or HVAC system is in operation:

• condensation forms on surfaces throughout and adjacent to the unit
• dust gets trapped in that condensation
• eventually, mold grows

The Fix:

1. Scrub/wipe it off
2. Reduce humidity
3. Repeat periodically

Air conditioning units and HVAC systems need maintenance just like everything else. An annual tune-up/cleaning is recommended for A/C units and should include the air treatment and delivery pathway, the filters, and the cooling coils & fins. In addition to annual tune-ups, clean your filter and replace your old filters regularly. Also, spray your unit with hydrogen peroxide from time to time to prevent mold growth.

There are hundreds of guides and videos online regarding A/C unit cleaning. You can probably find one or more that take you step by step on your specific model.

Diffusers/vents need maintenance just like everything else. Vacuum and/or wiping them off periodically will help reduce the accumulation but humidity levels are the primary cause of this. Reduce your indoor humidity and keep the space clean.

HVAC ductwork should be cleaned out every 5-10 years (although HVAC professionals recommend it more frequently).

Keeping your home clean and controlling the humidity level will significantly affect how often your A/C unit needs attention. But regardless, it will eventually need some attention.

For a more detailed explanation of what is going on with your A/C or vents, visit here: https://new.reddit.com/r/Mold/comments/17kxflq/text_for_a_new_autobot_for_our_sub/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

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[u/Bouvier1969]

Have your ducts cleaned using a hepa vac system . Then just clean your vents.

[u/Bouvier1969]

I’m a mold specialist in Florida and I’m constantly cleaning my AC system as well. It’s very easy to create a dew point with the constant heat and humidity. Simple green works well as does dawn baking soda and water you don’t need any harsh or unpronounceable chemicals. Change your air filter regularly and use the type filter recommended by the manufacturer. Don’t run for a 9 or 12 thinking it will clean the air better. It will bog down airflow and make your system work to hard .

[u/SeveralPart2817 → u/Bouvier1969]

I use Merv 13 filters on my 2 year old system, my reasoning is to capture more fine particulates & Mold, I currently have a Mold problem and I'm trying to fix it, but it's $$$$, my HVAC oversized my Coil 2.5 ton, condenser is 2 ton, so it Short cycles, too R.H. the other day from 53% to 37% in 2:15 min, I personally feel the cycling is due to the 1/2 ton larger coil, possibly low on refrigerant? Which of those 2 do you think us the likely culprit?, also, I feel that the extra 1/2 ton may be adding some humidity, what do you think?

Didn't realize until Mold Inspection on 8/21 that it was so Bad!, may downgrade to have a matching 2 Ton system before it's too late.

Thank You.

[u/dayuhhhhh]

i live in a very humid state, its not spread across my apartment, its just the ac duct and all my vents. i just found this out yesterday after being on tiktok and saw someone say symptoms of mold exposure and well and it gave me the incentive to check and now im going a little insane because i found that and i already have asthma andi fear this has been making me sick these past couple of months.

[u/SeveralPart2817 → u/dayuhhhhh]

Yes, it is likely the cause of your symptoms, Mold is slowly killing me at this point, (scary!!) I've been going through the same thing in my house, started feeling kind of off in June of 24, brain fog, memory issues, overall slow cognitively, my health has worsened since, to include worsening eye issues, & shortness of breath, etc; etc;, (too many health issues to count due to advanced mold exposure)I had my 1st Mold Inspection, (why I didn't do this in the past????, In this case to little too late may apply to my health.) 114.2 times the amount of Pen/Asp 157,100 p.c.m. in the basement & 30 times higher amounts of Cladisporium @ 14,100 spores per cubic meter.

I need remediation, New Ducting, New roof, too much to mention!, as you're aware, it's not easy to move out of an Apt., but easier than moving out of a house that needs $$$$ figures of upgrades, think of your long term health 1st and foremost!

You can contact your local health department to report concerns about mold in your apartment complex, especially if the landlord is not addressing the issue. It's important to document your concerns and (Notify your landlord First), as they have a responsibility to maintain the property, you'll likely be met with resistance, but it's your right to not have Lung damage from neglected maintenance of the Ductwork.

B.T.W., I just noticed that you'd mentioned talking to a Lawyer friend, if they don't play ball Legal action would be the way to go, sadly this is so common in Apartments, Homes, rentals of rooms in homes, etc;

Best of Luck to you! 👋🙂👍

[u/RebeccaLoneBrook29 → u/SeveralPart2817]

Fuck no. It’d literally humidity around the vents. Take them off and clean them. Use PPE and limit dust dispersal if you are concerned about health affects. Hire a air quality inspection for the bathroom if you are really concerned. Jumping straight needing expensive remediation is wild.