How to remove mold and debris from vents of HVAC system
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system, shortened for HVAC, is one of the most popular indoor heating and cooling systems. However, with time mold and debris can get accumulated in the vents of these systems, which causes it not to function at its optimal rate.
Moreover, if the accrued mold and debris from vents of the HVAC system are not taken care of on time, they can damage the entire technology. Today, we will discuss how you can remove mold and debris from vents of the HVAC system.
What causes mold and debris in HVAC vents?
Before we begin the removal process, we would like to tell you why mold usually forms in the vents of an HVAC system. Primarily, there are two causes due to which mold infests your air ducts or air vents. They include:
* Humidity
* Warmth
Humidity refers to the number of vapors present in the air. Humid regions are one of the breeding grounds for mold, and as an HVAC system is responsible for circulating cool air, condensation occurs when this cold air comes in contact with the warm humid air from outside. All this causes mold to grow in your ductwork and air vents.
How to remove mold and debris from vents of HVAC system?
Below-specified are some of the best ways in which you can remove mold and debris from vents of an HVAC system.
Grab clothes washing detergent
One of the best ways to get rid of mold from vents of an HVAC system is to wash your air vent grill with a laundry detergent. To do this, first take out your vent grill, which is attached to the air vents.
Make sure to use proper tools to take out the grill, such as a screwdriver. Also, make sure that your HVAC system is off before you start the mold removal process.
Then, place your vent grill in the basin, and turn on the tap to submerge the grill into the water. After this, put a tablespoon of laundry detergent on the grill. Make sure to give the vent grill a little shake, so the detergent can reach every corner of the grill.
Now let the grill be submerged in detergent-filled water for about 15-20 minutes before reattaching it. Meanwhile, make sure to clean the air vents of any dust and debris present in the air vents.
You can also spray mold inhibitors on the air vents and air grill to get rid of the mold and inhibit its growth. After this, reattach the vent grill.
Dishwashing liquid
Another great way to encounter the growth of mold present in the air vents of an HVAC system is by cleaning them with a dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid has certain chemicals which kill mold, and also remove grease from the porous surfaces.
To clean your air vents using dishwashing liquid, submerge the vents of your HVAC system with a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Let the vents soak for about 5-15 minutes. Meanwhile, make sure to look out for any sand, dirt, and remains in your air vents and clean them by using a blow dryer.
After 5-15 minutes, take the air vents out, scrub the areas where mold is present, and then rinse. Now, grab an EPA-approved mold inhibitor or disinfectant and then spray onto the grill and on the surfaces of the air vents before reattaching the air vents.
Spraying mold inhibitors is a crucial step as it inhibits the growth of new mold. So, make sure to do it.
Use baking soda
You can also use baking soda to make a mold killer solution. To clean your HVAC vents, make sure to turn your HVAC system off and remove the air vents. Then, grab a dishwashing solution and baking soda, and put them in water in a spray bottle, and mix them.
Moreover, the quantity of baking soda you should put in water must be around half a cup, while the amount of dishwashing liquid is the same as specified above. You can also use detergent if you have run out of dishwashing liquid.
After making the solution, spray it on the inside region of the air vents, around the vent openings, and the vent grill to kill mold. Do not forget to scrub the moldy areas to get rid of them. For cleaning debris, you can use a vacuum on the air vents and their openings.
As specified above, make sure to use a mold inhibitor after applying the solution to reduce the chance of new mold growth.
For non-porous surfaces use bleach to kill mold
Bleach is one of the best mold and yeast-killing agents that you can get on the market. It is best for non-porous materials. Bleach has a high PH, which is about 11-13. Such high PH can harm your skin as well as your ventilation system.
Hence, it is recommended to use bleach in a tiny amount. Plus, make sure to wear gloves while making mold-killing solutions using bleach. To make bleach-based mold cleaning solution:
* Put one cup of bleach into 16 cups of water.
* Spray the mold-killing solution on the removed air vents and air grills, and then scrub them off to remove any mold.
Install new vents
If you think there is too much mold in the vent openings, on the grill, and near the vent surroundings, you can always replace the old ones with new ones. To do this, make sure to contact an HVAC system professional or a contractor. It is because such type of jobs requires technical knowledge, which normal people usually do not have.
Fogger machine
Instead of scrubbing the air grills after spraying the solution, you can also use a fogger machine to kill mold more conveniently and effectively.
Conclusion
The above-specified are some of the best ways in which you can remove mold and debris from vents of your HVAC system. For better results, you can contact HVAC experts. Contact Southern Seasons Heating and Air