-Cladosporium is one of the most common molds found indoors and outdoors. The other most very common types are Penicillium and Aspergillus.

-Cladosporium is also a common outdoor sooty mold growing on lawn furniture, fences, tile roofs, shower grout, and stucco walls where it feeds on microscopic tree sap droplets and dust. Note that outdoors this fungus is in low cellulose environments where dust and sap provides food, and water is not abundant but where condensation and humidity may provide some moisture. These are similar harsh environmental conditions as to those encountered in ducts, in air handlers, and on the metal enclosures of air handlers.

-Cladosporium is usually black but it is not typically classed as one of the toxic molds. The black coloration may be melanin that protects it from the suns UV rays especially when growing outdoors. Inside dark AC units it is often black or grey and velvety.

The Problem with Cladosporium

As a full time West Palm Beach Mold Inspector I find that Cladosporium is one of the most problematic molds, at least in my area. The reason it is such a concern is because of its habit of hiding inside AC units. Of course it is not the only mold growing in AC units but it is by far the most common one. It hides out and grows in AC units and ducts for years undetected and often causes allergy and asthma type reactions in the homes occupants for months or even years before the source is discovered and remediated.

The best way to deal with it is to:

1) Have the interior of the ducts and the interior of the AC cleaned in accordance with NADCA standards.

2) Limit the introduction of food sources (dust) into the AC. Limit dust by using good filters, and seal openings in the AC enclosure so dust cannot bypass the filter. These openings occur where condensation drain lines, thermostat wires, and refrigerant carrying copper pipes penetrate the AC unit’s metal enclosure.

3) Limit the introduction of needed moisture by setting the thermostat to auto and not to on, and do not allow excess humidity into the property through open windows and doors when it is hot or humid outside.

Cladosporium is one of the most underrated problematic mold problems in homes today because of its effect on people’s health, and because of its prevalence in so many homes.

Despite it being an extremely common problem many inspectors overlook it because they do not open AC units, or remove the filter, or smell the air coming out of ducts during inspections. Many homeowners ignore it because it cannot be seen. But it is still a serious issue that must be properly addressed if we are to breathe healthy air.

If your home is in some rainy area, for example if your home is in a tropical or sub-tropical area like Miami then mold in the AC is much more likely. Chances of these types of problems occurring are very great in areas where the air is often moist.

Unfortunately proper remediation of ducts and AC units is hard to come. Duct cleaning can stir up more problems than it solves if not done correctly so do not have it done unless the system is truly contaminated and problematic. I would not recommend routine duct cleaning for maintenance reasons.

If you truly have a problem with mold in your ducts or AC do not ignore it any longer. Ignoring such problems can result in health problems such as allergy and asthma in your family members.

If you suspect mold in your AC have the system and its duct work inspected by a trained and certified mold inspector and properly remediated in accordance with NADCA standards or some other similar nationally recognized standards.

About the Author: Since 2003 A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc. Has been offering mold inspections and testing in homes, officer, condos, commercial buildings, AC Units, AC ducts, and more from West Palm Beach to Miami Fl.

Visit W3Schools About the Author: Since 2003 A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc. Website http://www.floridamoldtesting.net has been offering mold inspections and testing in homes, officer, condos, commercial buildings, AC units, AC ducts, and more from West Palm Beach to Miami Fl.

Author Bio: About the Author: Since 2003 A Accredited Mold Inspection Service, Inc. Has been offering mold inspections and testing in homes, officer, condos, commercial buildings, AC Units, AC ducts, and more from West Palm Beach to Miami Fl.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: mold in AC units, mold in ducts, inspecting AC ducts, Cladosporium mold.