If you have an air duct system in your home, know that regular maintenance is necessary for the optimal operation of your system. However, maintenance is also very important for your safety, as mold will grow in the ducts if you don’t clean them out. Here are some warning signs that mold is growing in your air ducts.

Musty or Mildew Smell

The smell that emanates from your system when the air is running is a huge clue to the presence of mold. If there’s mold in the system, the air will smell like mildew or must. You should clean your ducts as soon as possible if you notice this smell coming from your ceilings.

Sneezing or Coughing

Mold can cause major irritation in your sinuses and throat if you breathe it in. Therefore, if you sneeze and cough more often when the A/C turns on, it can be a sign of moldy air ducts. Sneezing once when you turn on the system likely means nothing, but persistent sneezing can indicate possible ventilation issues.

Mental Symptoms

Severe mold growth can cause more issues for your body if you keep breathing it in. Issues such as headaches or dizziness, which disappear when you leave the house. If you notice other mold allergy symptoms that only occur when you’re at home, it’s a good idea to call a mold removal service.

Other Physical Symptoms

Just as sneezing and coughing can occur due to mold growth, so there are other physical symptoms you should watch for. Symptoms such as a runny nose and sudden rashes can indicate contaminated air circulating in your home, especially if the problems disappear as you spend time away or outside. These physical symptoms are some of the biggest and most drastic signs of mold in your air ducts.

If you notice any of these signs of mold growth, you should hire a professional company to clean the ducts. Don’t try to remove the mold yourself; the spores could spread and cause further health problems. So, it’s best if you leave the eradication to the professionals.