How Mold Spreads Through HVAC Systems

When mold grows in your home, it releases spores into the air. Your HVAC system pulls those spores through return vents and distributes them to every room via supply ducts. The inside of ductwork provides a surface where spores can settle, and if moisture is present, they can colonize inside the ducts. Even if the original mold is gone, your system continues circulating contaminated air every time it runs. Duct cleaning removes spores, odor compounds, and particulates that settled during the contamination period.

When Duct Cleaning Is Necessary

If mold remediation involved removing drywall, insulation, or other materials while the HVAC system was running, duct cleaning is essential. If you notice musty odors coming from vents after remediation, that's a sign that contamination is still present. If the mold grew near a return vent or if your system pulls air from a basement or crawlspace that was contaminated, cleaning is recommended. However, if the mold was isolated to a small area and your HVAC was off during remediation, duct cleaning may not be necessary.

Professional Duct Cleaning for Mold Contamination

We inspect ductwork using cameras to determine the extent of contamination. Then we use HEPA-filtered vacuum equipment to remove dust, spores, and debris from supply and return ducts. We also clean registers, grilles, and the blower compartment. If mold grew inside the ducts, we treat surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials. After cleaning, we verify air quality has improved and the system is distributing clean air. We do not use sealants or coatings unless there's visible mold growth that cannot be removed mechanically.

Insurance and Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning is covered if it's part of a mold remediation claim that your policy approved. We include duct cleaning in the initial scope when appropriate and provide documentation showing why it's necessary. If your adjuster questions the need, we explain the science and provide evidence of contamination. Our goal is to ensure your home is fully restored, not just surface-cleaned.

If you had mold remediated and your ducts were not cleaned, call for a free HVAC inspection. We'll assess contamination levels, clean your system if needed, and verify your air quality has been restored.