The Moldman Difference:No Overstating Mold ProblemsNo Scare TacticsNo PressureNo Hassles100% Focus on Mold and Water DamageFree EstimatesOn Time, On BudgetLicensed, Insured, Certified and Member of the BBBThousands of Jobs Worth of Experience100% Satisfaction Guarantee Kind Words From Our Customers Mitch and his team managed remediation of mold in my basement efficiently and professionally. He was invaluable far beyond Moldman's competitive priceBethMike came out and inspected my place before I purchased it. EricMike was really responsive. ShannonMy wife and I are extremely pleased with services provided by Moldman. GabrielMoldman was the best mold company I talked to. KristinMoldman was prompt, thorough, and worked with us with our Insurance Agency. The first step in addressing any mold growth problem in a building is identifying and correcting moisture source(s) (see Where Does Mold Grow?). If moisture problems are not corrected, then any mold cleanup or removal that takes place will most likely be only a short-term solution;

at some point the mold growth will recur. It is critical to control moisture at the beginning, during, and at the end of a mold-growth removal project. One of the most common misconceptions about mold is that it can be removed by spraying the surfaces with products such as disinfectants, biocides or cleaners. That will not take care of the problem because the allergenic and toxic properties of mold are not removed by using such products. Whether mold spores and other parts of the mold are viable (living) or nonviable (dead) when they get into the air, they still present a health risk to exposed individuals. While disinfectants and biocides may kill mold spores and take away their ability to reproduce, these products should not be used alone in addressing a mold-growth problem. Either the mold must be completely removed from the affected material, or the mold-contaminated material must be completely removed from the building. In determining which materials can be cleaned and what should be removed, the two important factors are how porous (absorbent) the material is and how extensive the mold growth is.

Generally, non-porous materials (such as metals, glass and hard plastics) and semi-porous materials (wood, plaster and concrete) that are visibly moldy but structurally sound can usually be cleaned and reused. Moldy porous materials (carpeting, wallboard, ceiling tile, wallpaper, fabric, upholstered furniture, mattresses) should usually be discarded, since they absorb and hold moisture, may be internally moldy, and cannot be completely cleaned and thoroughly dried. Cleanup and mold removal activities can expose people to mold particles and other hazards, so it is important to wear protective equipment and follow procedures safely. For complete instructions, see: Air duct systems in buildings can also become contaminated with mold. Air duct systems can be constructed of bare sheet metal, sheet metal with exterior or interior fibrous glass insulation, or made of entirely out of fibrous glass (ductboard). If mold growth has occurred on fibrous glass or other porous surfaces, then effective cleaning will not be possible and the ductwork and/or insulation will need to be discarded.

Mold growth on metal ductwork may be cleaned and disinfected following the instructions for non-porous materials. For additional details on addressing air duct cleaning see Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?, a publication of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Less dust and dirt! Ads for air duct cleaning services are everywhere. hepa air filtration system costEvery coupon mailer seems to contain at least one, often illustrated with dramatic before and after photos of dust-choked vents, now shiny clean.air duct cleaners inc chicago You could shell out $50 to $1,000 or more to have the interior of your home’s heating and air conditioning ductwork spruced up, a process that may involve brushing, vacuuming, blasts with compressed air and the spraying of mold- and bacteria-killing chemicals. air cleaner model 2200

Most of the time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s not worth it. “Duct cleaning has never been shown to prevent health problems,” the EPA writes on its website. “Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. Little evidence exists that cleaning only the ducts will improve the efficiency of the system." Related: 8 Innocent-Seeming Habits that Put Your Home at Risk The EPA reached that conclusion back in 1997, after teaming up with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to study how vent cleaning affected indoor air. Since then, newer studies have reached conflicting conclusions. One 2010 review of the scientific data on air duct cleaning raised alarms about the practice. Canada’s National Research Council concluded that in some cases, “post-cleaning air pollutant concentrations can be higher than pre-cleaning levels” and “there are health concerns in the use of biocides, sealants and encapsulants.”

Another study was more positive. When researchers from Florida International University compared air quality in homes before, during and after duct cleaning in 2001, they found that pollutant levels did drop afterward. But, they warn, the amount of “dirt, debris and other pollutants” in the air was higher during the process than before cleaning began — pointing to the need to hire well-trained contractors if you do decide to have your ducts cleaned. While no research links duct cleaning to fewer health problems, the EPA as well as some asthma experts suggest that duct cleaning by a reputable company may be worthwhile if your vents contain visible mold or are clogged with dirt that spews from vents when you turn on the heat or air conditioning, or if your ducts have become stomping grounds for mice, bugs and other pests. Related: Ban These 7 Allergens from Your Home If you do opt for duct-cleaning, these five steps can help you get the best results.1. Hire a reputable contractor.

Ask the company that services your heating or air conditioning system for referrals. Or check the NADCA website for companies in your area. Ask about licenses, which are required in some states including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Shy away from contractors who make big health claims or who say they’re endorsed by the EPA — that federal agency doesn’t certify duct cleaners. Make sure they have experience working on systems like yours and that they comply with NADCA cleaning standards. Check references and get several estimates.2. Insist on a thorough inspection before you sign up for a cleaning. Ask for proof of dirt, mold or vermin problems. The EPA recommends fixing the cause of the problem before having your ductwork cleaned. This may involve working with a heating, air conditioning and ventilation company. 3. Go with a cleaning plan that protects your home and your air.Ask how the contractor will keep dust and pollutant levels low during the job.