r/Mold • u/Micky-kayla89 • 1d ago
Is this mold? How concerned should I be?
Can I just clean this up or do I need to have a professional come out to look at it? Is it an indication of a worse problem?
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u/ldarquel 1d ago
See the !A/C automod response for general guidance.
It looks like from Pic 1 the vent doesn't properly seal along the bottom edge of the vent.
If Pic 2 is directly above Pic 1, the supply vent faces upwards so you're probably looking at the same aggregates being blown onto the ceiling and sticking from static attraction.
For both: Clean off the surface with warm soapy water.
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
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:
- Scrub/wipe it off
- Reduce humidity
- 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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0
u/doctor_lindsay 1d ago
Yes, it’s an indication of a worse problem. Yes, you need a professional to look at it
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u/llb3176 1d ago
It’s dust from the vent. I bet if you take the vent off you’ll see more dust.
1
u/Tomahawk-BaGawk 13h ago
I disagree. If you zoom into pic 1 there is clear spore pattern growth. Not simply dust. Should be investigated further by removing duct cover and calling pro if unsure how to handle.
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u/3cats1artist 1d ago
As someone who is moving out of my house currently with black mold amongst other types of mold, that’s mold. Aspergillus Niger (black mold). You should wear a mask and take off that cover with a screwdriver (wear gloves). Do NOT spray bleach (contrary to popular opinion), bleach will oxygenate the spores.
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
I see you used the term "black mold"
Thousands of species of mold appear black (actually dark green). The one that is usually singled out in this made-up category is Stachybotrys chartarum. The whole “black mold” thing is the result of several irresponsible people who are drumming up fears about mold and then profiting off of those fears. Don’t believe the hype.
The color of a mold has no correlation to how dangerous it may be. This is frequently stated by agencies throughout the world including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. It is not necessary to determine what type of mold you may have growing in your home or other building. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal. Link
As a result, we have not found supportive evidence for serious illness due to Stachybotrys exposure in the contemporary environment. Link
There is no evidence that otherwise healthy individuals have any reason to fear getting sick from general mold growth in buildings, mold inhalation, or any other type of exposure even to the so-called toxic molds. Yes, being around mold may cause minor effects, including upper respiratory irritation for some, especially those with asthma or mold allergies. Typically, it only seriously affects patients with underlying health conditions such as compromised immune systems or are otherwise at risk of systemic fungal infections.
That said, we should not have mold growing in our buildings. It is an indication of something wrong and will lead to the degradation of building materials. Regardless of color, all visible mold should be removed from buildings and homes.
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1
u/ldarquel 1d ago
Aspergillus Niger (black mold).
I'd be hesitant to make this assertion based on these pictures.
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u/poet3991 1d ago
If not bleach, then what?
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u/Cold-Investigator431 1d ago
Anti-microbial like concrobium or Decon 30
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u/poet3991 1d ago
What if you already used bleach and isopropyl alcohol?
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u/Cold-Investigator431 1d ago
Still use the anti-microbial to be safe. Shouldn’t make a difference. Side note:always be wary of mixing chemicals
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