Air Duct Cleaning For Mold

How do you get rid of mold in air ducts?
To remove mold from air ducts, a licensed HVAC technician should:

1. Set up negative air pressure using a HEPA-filtered vacuum system
2. Seal registers and clean each one with antimicrobial solution
3. Gently brush and vacuum the duct interiors
4. Apply an EPA-registered antimicrobial fogger
5. Clean and reseal all vents and returns

⚠️ DIY cleaning is not recommended — improper techniques can damage ducts and worsen air quality. Always work with certified pros.

🌀 Can Mold Grow in HVAC Ductwork?

Here’s a common myth:

“Mold grows on ductwork.”
Wrong.

Mold doesn’t grow on metal or plastic ductwork directly. What it actually grows on is dust, debris, and moisture inside your ducts. That buildup becomes a food source when moisture enters the equation — from humidity, leaks, or improper insulation.

✅ According to the CDC, controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold in HVAC systems.

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🧱 Common Duct Materials & Mold Risk

Duct Type	Material	Mold Risk	Notes
Flex Duct	Plastic/foil	Low–Medium	Interior is smooth, but can trap debris
Sheet Metal	Galvanized steel	Low	Harder for mold to attach to
Duct Board	Fiberglass	Medium–High	Can shed particles when disturbed

⚠️ Fiberglass ducts are often pre-treated with antimicrobial coatings, but these wear down over time.

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⚙️ How HVAC Mold Cleaning Works

Professional duct cleaning — when done right — follows this general process:

✅ Step-by-Step:

1. Set up negative air pressure using a HEPA-filtered machine
2. Seal registers and vents to contain particles
3. Remove return grills and clean them separately
4. HEPA vacuum the ductwork to capture debris
5. Light brushing (very gently!) to dislodge contaminants
6. Apply EPA-registered antimicrobial fogger to sanitize
7. Wipe and reseal all openings
8. Final cleanup of registers and surrounding surfaces

🧠 Note: The EPA warns that improper duct cleaning can damage your ducts or worsen indoor air quality. Always work with certified HVAC or mold professionals.

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💸 How Much Does It Cost?

📊 Average Pricing:

• $25–$35 per register
• $375–$500 per HVAC unit (coil cleaning optional)
• Antimicrobial treatment: +$150–$250

So for a 2,000 sq. ft. home with 15–20 registers, expect: ➡️ $400–$700 total

✅ Source: Industry data + verified pricing from licensed HVAC pros Brad Fishbein works with.

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🚫 Risks of DIY or Bad Duct Cleaning

❌ Duct Damage

• Over-aggressive brushing can tear holes in flex duct
• Damaged ducts cause air leaks → condensation → mold

❌ Fiberglass Contamination

• Scrubbing fiberglass duct board can release glass particles
• Linked to lung inflammation, asthma, and cancer
  Source: NIOSH

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👷 Who Should Clean Mold in Air Ducts?

• HVAC professionals are best suited to clean ductwork
• Mold remediation pros are essential when mold is also on walls, ceilings, or attic framing

⚠️ Be cautious of companies offering “mold fogging” with no inspection. That’s not real remediation.

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🧪 Should You Sanitize Your Ducts?

Yes — if there is visible mold or persistent odor.

But make sure your provider uses:

• EPA-registered antimicrobial products
• Proper negative air containment
• Clear post-cleaning inspection

❗ Not all foggers are equal — and overspray can damage HVAC parts if done wrong.

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🧼 What If Your Ducts Are Fiberglass?

You should avoid brushing fiberglass interiors. Instead:

💡 Best Option:

Encapsulate with antimicrobial paint designed for HVAC systems.

This:

• Seals in debris
• Inhibits mold growth
• Costs less than full duct replacement

✅ This method is supported by NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association.

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🔁 Is It Worth It?

If you:

• Smell mildew from vents
• See black or green growth on grills
• Suffer from allergy-like symptoms at home

Then yes — duct cleaning (done right) is worth it.
But don’t fall for scare tactics. Inspect your ducts first, then decide.

🔍 Not sure what to look for? Start with a professional mold inspection

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❓ FAQ: Mold in Air Ducts

Can mold actually grow inside air ducts?

Mold typically doesn’t grow on duct surfaces themselves, but it can grow on the dust and debris inside ducts if moisture is present.

Is it safe to clean moldy ductwork yourself?

No. Duct mold removal requires HEPA vacuums, containment, and sanitizers — all best handled by pros.

How much does it cost to clean air ducts with mold?

Expect to pay $400–$700, depending on your home size and the number of registers.

What kind of spray is used to sanitize ductwork?

EPA-registered antimicrobial foggers are used — but must be applied under negative air pressure to be effective and safe.

Should I call a mold inspector or HVAC tech?

If mold is only inside ducts, call HVAC. If it’s also on walls or insulation, start with a mold inspector.

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