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Five Common Signs Of A Mold Problem In Your Home (And More)

by | Apr 1, 2022 | blog

Does Your Home Have A Mold Problem? Here’s What You Want To Look For

Five Common Signs Of A Mold Problem In Your Home (And More)Sure, everyone knows the clear signs of a severe mold problem at home: Big, ugly splotches, usually dark green or black, on a wall. Maybe it’s in the basement, or even upstairs if you’ve dealt with a leak.

But, that’s not the first sign of an issue. Far from it.

Mold tends to grow in out-of-the-way places, especially where there’s no light. So, you’re probably not going to notice a colony of spores right away when it’s growing behind the drywall or in a storage box.

In fact, by the time you do notice those significant visual signs, the problem’s already out of hand.

Instead, you need to keep an eye (and your other senses) out for those smaller and sometimes subtle clues that mold is growing in your home.

It can happen in any house, but homes that use mini split heating and cooling are even more at risk than others.

We’ll talk more about that a little later in this article. But first, we’re going through the common signs of mold in your home and some of the physical symptoms and health problems you can experience.

If you catch the problem fast enough, it’s possible to get rid of it on your own. And, with some extra care in the future, you’ll prevent it from coming back.

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Five Telltale Signs Of A Mold Problem At Home

By the time you see mold growing on a wall or on furniture in your home,it’s already become widespread. Instead, look for these other telltale signs to catch a mold problem early on:

  1. Stale, Rotten Smell
  2. HVAC Smells
  3. Spots On Clothing
  4. Warped Walls
  5. Black Spots

Related: What Is The Best Temperature To Prevent Mold From Growing At Home?

Stale, Rotten Smell

Why Does My Mini-Split Smell Like Cheese Or Dirty Socks?You can’t see mold growing behind your walls or inside your HVAC system, but you’ll be able to smell it. Spores in the air will have a stale, rotten smell to them.

HVAC Smells

When it comes to heating and cooling, the odor caused by a mold colony has a specific name: Dirty Sock Syndrome.

That refers to the stale, cheesy smell you notice when your system circulates mold spores through the house. Check to see if the odor is more pungent around vents or near the air handlers of a ductless system.

Read More: Why Does My Mini Split Smell Like Cheese Or Dirty Socks?

Spots On Clothing

Mold can also grow on clothes, and you can spot it by watching for white or brown splotches on fabric that are squishy or fuzzy. It’s especially a problem if your clothes are still damp once they’re done in the dryer. Or if they’re tucked away in a box or drawer for a long time in a humid environment.

Warped Walls

Drywall is almost always used for interior walls in homes, and they’re porous. As a result, mold growing inside the wall will warp both sides of the drywall. So, even if the infestation is growing where you can’t see it, you’ll notice bulging and disfiguration on the side of the wall you can see.

Similarly, you may also notice bubbling and warping wallpaper.

Related: How Long Does Mold Remediation Take?

Black Spots

Once you start noticing black spots on a wall, particularly near the ceiling or in a corner, you know you’ve got a mold problem quickly getting out of hand.

It’s easiest to spot on finished walls because it stands out against the paint. But, spots on the walls or floor of a dark, unfinished basement can blend in more easily with stonework and mortar.

Four Physical Symptoms Of Mold Exposure At Home

Exposure to excess mold in your home will start to cause health problems including:

  1. Allergy Symptoms
  2. Trouble Breathing
  3. Rashes And Blemishes
  4. Sinus Headaches

Allergy Symptoms

Mold Can Cause Breathing Problems And IrritationsPeople with a mold allergy will respond to spores the same way people with seasonal allergies respond to pollen: Their immune system overreacts, and they experience runny noses, itchy eyes, a cough, and throat irritation.

Trouble Breathing

Breathing in a foreign and potentially toxic substance like mold spores can make you nauseous and trigger asthma attacks. Anyone with a respiratory problem such as COPD is also more vulnerable to difficulty breathing due to mold exposure.

Rashes And Blemishes

A rash from mold looks like any other rash triggered by an allergic reaction. So, you’ll want to look for some of the other signs we discussed. But, the brown or pink blemishes are often itchy with small raised bumps. And, they can make your skin dry, scaly, and sensitive to the touch.

Sinus Headaches

Headaches and sinus problems are common with mold exposure or being allergic to it. The problem is twofold: Inflammation from the allergic reaction, plus irritation of your respiratory system both contribute to sinusitis and related problems.

Related: Can Mold Cause Vertigo?

How Long Do Mold Spores Live?

Mold spores live for centuries as long as there’s organic matter for food plus a suitable place to cultivate. Mold spores on clothes usually live for a day or two. But, they’ll keep multiplying and form a colony that keeps growing if the conditions are right in your home.

Mold Spores And Ductless Mini Splits

Over the last ten years, we’ve discovered that ductless mini splits — particularly the air handlers — are prime breeding grounds for mold. These units trap bacteria and other organic matter, which serves as food.

Plus, they’re dark, warm, and damp — the perfect environment for a colony to thrive.

And, to make things worse, those spores spread through the air you breathe every time the system starts blowing warmed or cooled air back into the room.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

For example, here’s a photo of an air handler we started cleaning. You can see the side of the coil we’ve treated versus the side we didn’t get to yet:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

If you’ve had your mini split for more than a year, you should consider a deep cleaning. That’s especially so if you’re also noticing signs and symptoms of mold exposure in your Treasure Valley Home. If you want to schedule a cleaning, or just ask some questions to learn more about it, call HydroKleen208 at (208) 779-5596. We service the Boise Metro area along with Kuna, Cascade, and McCall, ID up in Valley County. 

 

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Why Does My Mini-Split Smell Like Cheese Or Dirty Socks?

by | Mar 25, 2022 | blog

Why Does My Mini Split Smell Musty Or Like Cheese Or Dirty Socks?

Why Does My Mini-Split Smell Like Cheese Or Dirty Socks?

A mini split giving off a musty smell or an odor like cheese or dirty socks most likely has a mold problem. Spores grow inside the air handler and spread through your home as the system circulates them with the air it’s heating or cooling.

If you’ve ever heard of “Dirty Sock Syndrome,” that’s what we’re talking about here. And, yes, it’s so widespread that it has a name.

And while Dirty Sock Syndrome applies to this problem with any sort of heating and cooling system, we’re here to tell you that, unfortunately, it’s prevalent with ductless systems.

But, the good news is that there’s a quick, easy fix. A mini split deep cleaning can usually take care of this problem in one visit.

That’s our specialty here at HydroKleen208: Restoring ductless systems, so they work just as well as the day they were installed. You’d be surprised at just how dirty the insides of these systems get — and how well they’ll work once you get them cleaned out.

But, we’ll get to all that later on. First, we’ll talk about why ductless systems are so susceptible to mold problems and how to spot an issue. Then, we’ll discuss how to address it.

And, if you have any questions about the ductless system or indoor air quality in your Treasure Valley home or business, call us at (208) 779-5596 for a free consultation.

Click Here To Schedule A HydroKleen Appointment

Why (And How) Ductless Systems Get Mold In Them

It turns out that mini splits — particularly the air handlers — are perfect breeding grounds for mold.

There’s no light in there, but there’s plenty of warmth from the heat transfer process, plus moisture from the air and from the dehumidification process in the summer.

Those are the exact optimal conditions for mold growth. Then, to make matters worse, these units are really tough to clean.

Mold On Ductless Coils

Even if you’ve only lifted the front panel on your air handlers to clean the filter, you can get a sense of how packed everything is in there. And, in particular, you’ll see the coil: that blue block with all the tiny ridges on it.

That’s the main offender when it comes to mold.

Mold spores, along with bacteria and other microbial contaminants, settle in between those tiny ridges and cultivate. Since that’s where the heat transfer occurs, there’s plenty of warmth and moisture.

Other areas ripe for problems are behind the barrel fans or near the drain line if there’s a problem.

Related: How To Spot And Fix Mini Split Condensate Drain Line Clog

These problems take root in just about any system. But, the infestations get even worse if the system wasn’t installed properly. We start to see water building up in the air handler or leaking behind the walls. 

How Much Does A Cleaning Cost?

Cleaning Challenges

What To Expect For Your HydroKleen Mini Split Cleaning

Not only does mold grow quickly inside these units, but they’re also tough to clean out. For instance, we mentioned the barrel fans and the condensate line – you can’t even see those without taking the air handler apart! And, there’s more in there as well.

So, until recently, the only way to clean this stuff was to have a professional disassemble every component. Then, they’d have to scrub each piece manually.

It’s a delicate, time-consuming process. Each one could take hours. As a result, it’s usually hard to find an HVAC contractor that will do it. The price would be prohibitive when you factor in the labor hours.

Then, there’s still no guarantee they can eliminate the problem! Look at the coil again. Now, imagine having to scrub in between every one of those tiny fins without bending any.

You’ll get some cleaning when you get a tune-up or regular maintenance. But that only scratches the surface.

Dirty Sock Syndrome

All these factors lead to what’s called “Dirty Sock Syndrome.” All that junk building up in your system — especially mold — gives off a stale, cheesy smell. Then, the odor circulates through your house as the air flows through the system. 

It can — and does — occur in forced-air systems (think furnaces and central air). But, it’s much more common with mini splits. 

At best, it’s an inconvenience (and maybe a little embarrassing when you have people over). At worst, it can make you feel sick. 

Related: Six Telltale Signs Your Ductless System Needs To Be Cleaned ASAP

Mini Split Deep Cleaning

How Often Should Your Mini Split Be Cleaned?A general HVAC tune-up and cleaning will eliminate dirty sock syndrome if you’re lucky. But, if you have a ductless system, it’s essential to add a dedicated mini split deep cleaning to your strategy. In fact, these cleanings are important even if you don’t notice a bad smell yet.

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

We mentioned before how difficult it is to clean these systems properly. That’s if you’re doing it manually. HydroKleen208 has a specialized process that makes flushing out these systems easy and effective. 

In this article, you can read more about how we work and get a behind-the-scenes look at an actual cleaning. 

The bottom line is that our parent company, HydroKleen Global, developed specialized tools, processes, and non-toxic cleaning agents that can reach into every nook and cranny in your system and clean it out. 

That includes the air handlers along with the heat pump outside. 

Since we do it without taking anything apart, it’s much less expensive than a conventional HVAC visit. And, our finely-calibrated equipment uses just the right amount of pressure to wash everything without causing damage. 

Related: What Does It Cost To Clean A Heat Pump? 

This doesn’t take the place of regular maintenance or tune-ups. Instead, it works along with those services to help keep you healthy and keep your system running great. 

If you live or work in Kuna, ID, or anywhere in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, you can call HydroKleen208 to learn more about our mini split cleaning. We serve homes and businesses from Boise Metro and as far north as Cascade. Click below or call (208) 779-5596 to set your appointment.

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Are You Moving? Don’t Take Your Black Mold With You!

by | Mar 23, 2022 | blog

Are You Moving? Don’t Take Black Mold With You! (How Mold Travels)

Are You Moving? Don’t Take Your Black Mold With You!

A new home should always mean a new beginning. But, if your past involved mold problems in your house or where you work, that fresh start could be, well, not so fresh.

We all know that mold can grow in your home when the conditions are right (and they often are). But did you know that’s not the only way spores can take root and cause an infestation? It’s also possible for someone to introduce mold to your home from somewhere else. And, that person may even be you.

This article looks at how people can bring in mold problems from one place to another. And, in particular, we’ll cover what to watch for if you’re moving from a place that previously had a mold problem.

Yes, it’s entirely possible for black mold to “follow” you from one place to another! If you’re not careful, of course.

We’ll also cover the signs of a mold problem in your home, from physical symptoms you may experience to the kind of damage you could notice in your house.

Finally, we’ll discuss the all-too-common (but not well-known) problems with mini splits and mold. If your home or business uses one of these ductless heat pump systems, you’ll definitely want to read till the end.

Meanwhile, you can always reach out to us with questions about mold, indoor air quality, or problems with a mini split in your Valley County or Boise Metro home or businesses. You can reach us at (208) 779-5596, and you don’t need to pay for a cleaning or make an appointment just to get more information.

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Related: Mold Toxicity And The Signs That Mold Is Making You Sick

Can Black Mold Spread From House To House?

Mold spores are tiny and pervasive, so it’s easy for them to travel from one place to another on surfaces, in boxes, or even on clothes. That makes cross-contamination possible after moving, especially if your previous home had a mold problem.

Different strains of mold grow in slightly different environments. Stachybotrys, for instance, is what people often refer to as black mold. It’s the kind that grows easily on walls and in bathrooms, damp basements, and wet carpets.

Related: How Long Does Mold Remediation Take In Homes And Businesses?

It doesn’t spread through the air nearly as easily as other strains. But, spores will travel and attach to other objects if you disturb a colony (a collection of spores large enough to see). 

That can happen by slamming a door near a wall with mold on it. And, if you’re packing, you may kick up spores that cultivated at the back of a bookshelf, in a closet, or other areas you don’t often access or clean. 

That increases the chance of it spreading and “following” you to your next home.

Can Someone Bring Mold Into My House?

Mold spores are virtually everywhere, and they can stick to clothes. As a result, it’s possible — and likely — for someone to bring mold into your home. However, that doesn’t mean it will lead to an infestation. In fact, that’s somewhat unlikely.

Spores require the right conditions to cultivate into a colony. That mostly means dark, damp, humid areas, plus “food.” If the spores don’t find those conditions, they won’t grow into a problem.

Controlling humidity and keeping your home clean goes a long way toward preventing mold. If you have a mini split for heating and cooling, some additional risks are involved. But we’ll get to that later.

At any rate, bringing in mold is the bigger problem when you’re moving. In that situation, you may disrupt a colony on your way out. Or take the colony with you if it’s in a box or on the furniture.

Then, it’s easier for those spores, already in a colony, to take root in their new home.

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Symptoms Of Mold Exposure And Mold Allergies

What Are Some Of The Symptoms Of Mold Toxicity?

Mold allergies and other mold exposure symptoms can be tough to spot because they’re similar to symptoms of other health issues. They run the gamut from light respiratory problems to skin rashes, headaches, nausea, or difficulty concentrating.

For instance, people with a mold allergy react to spores the way people with seasonal allergies react to pollen: Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and runny noses.

Related: Excellent Indoor Air Quality At Home Is Crucial For People With Asthma 

Some people develop a rash from mold exposure, which can also be caused by chemicals, different fabrics, and plenty of other products or substances. 

And all those more severe symptoms — particularly “brain fog,” forgetfulness, or irritability — could stem from depression, neurological issues, stress, or other factors. 

So, it’s essential to also look for signs of mold in your home if you’re experiencing these symptoms.  

Five Signs Of Black Mold In Your Home

Five common signs of mold growing in our home are:

  1. General Musty Smell
  2. Discolored Grout Around Tiles
  3. Water Damage Spots
  4. Warped Walls Or Wallpaper
  5. Bad Smell From Your HVAC System

Remember that mold often grows in out-of-the-way places. So, in some cases, you’re looking for related signs like water damage or warping. The spores can travel through drywall but likely take root inside the wall before you can see it in the room.

Mold And Your Ductless Mini Split

Mini splits, or ductless heating and cooling systems, are common sites for mold colonies. The insides of the air handlers are dark and warm, and they get humid from moisture in the air. Plus, they’re tough to clean entirely without the right equipment.

As a result, black mold and other microbial contaminants that get sucked in with the air take root on the coil and other components. Once that happens, your system spreads them throughout the house when the air blows back out.

Related: How Mold In Ductless Mini Splits Cause Biotoxin Illness

If you’ve had a mini split for more than a year, then it’s time to consider a cleaning. That’s especially so if you notice any of the problems we’ve outlined here — or even general heating and cooling issues. 

For instance, here’s a picture of a coil from one of our recent jobs. Part of our process is to stop halfway through the cleaning so the homeowner can see the progress. 

In this case, we snapped a picture so you can see how dirty these get and how clean we make them once we’re done:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

Mini Split Cleaning In Caldwell, ID

HydroKleen208 guarantees the best mini split cleaning in Kuna, ID and across the Treasure Valley. Our custom equipment, unique process, and environmentally-friendly cleaning agents flush out and eradicate all mold spores, bacteria, dust, dirt, and more from your ductless system. Click below or call us at (208) 779-5596 to find out if a HydroKleen visit is the best way to address your HVAC, mold, or indoor air quality concerns.
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Mold Toxicity And The Signs That Mold Is Making You Sick

by | Mar 21, 2022 | blog

Yes, Mold Toxicity Can Make You Feel Sick. Here Are The Signs.

Mold Toxicity And The Signs That Mold Is Making You Sick

Mold toxicity is a somewhat controversial diagnosis. But, whether it’s the most accurate name for the problem doesn’t change this fact: Yes, being around mold can make you feel sick. And the symptoms can become severe after prolonged exposure.

But, many doctors don’t like to use the term “mold toxicity” because the exact problem is hard to pin down. 

As you’ll learn in this article, the symptoms of mold toxicity are not unique. Instead, they mimic the symptoms of many other health problems. 

Some people will develop flu-like symptoms or appear to suffer from seasonal allergies. More severe symptoms, like vertigo or digestive issues, are often caused by other underlying problems. The same goes for neurological conditions that may manifest after prolonged exposure. 

Related: Symptoms And Warning Signs Of Mold Toxicity Or Poisoning

So, how do you know if your symptoms stem from mold toxicity? And, why are we talking about this on an HVAC website? ‘

We’ll address that first question throughout the rest of the article. As for the second question: As the global leader for mini split cleaning, our HydroKleen208 techs encounter a lot of mold in people’s homes and businesses. 

And, they’ve seen the effects it has on homeowners, tenants, and employees. 

Sometimes, people call us because they know there’s a mold problem specifically, or just that the air in their home feels dirty or unhealthy. Other times, we get a call because their ductless system isn’t working right, and we discover a mold problem. 

In fact, mold is a bigger problem for mini splits than many people realize — another point we’ll get into in this article. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the ductless system or indoor air quality in your Treasure Valley home or business, call HydroKleen208 at (208) 779-556 for a free consultation.

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What Is Mold Toxicity?

Mold toxicity is an illness caused by exposure to biotoxins in mold spores. The symptoms become chronic, meaning they don’t get better when a person is no longer near toxic mold. They range from physical ailments to psychological and neurological issues.

The medical community is divided about whether mold toxicity is real. Plenty of evidence points to it being a legitimate health concern. 

But, some professionals say it’s a misdiagnosis as the symptoms mimic many other health issues. Or that it’s better defined by other, more established terms, which we’ll explore here.

Mold Toxicity Vs. Mold Allergy

Some people are allergic to mold the way others are to pollen. Their immune systems overreact to the spores, causing itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and other common allergy symptoms. They may also develop rashes. 

People with asthma will also experience asthma attacks or trouble breathing — another reason why it’s essential to keep your home clear of mold spores that you can breathe in. 

Related: Excellent Indoor Air Quality At Home Is Crucial For People With Asthma

But, unlike mold toxicity, an allergy doesn’t result in chronic symptoms. Instead, they go away once the person isn’t around the mold anymore.

10 Early Warning Signs Of Mold Toxicity

The symptoms and early warning signs of mold toxicity are often confused with other problems. But if you’re experiencing many of these problems, mold may be the cause:

  1. Itchy, Watery Eyes
  2. Headaches
  3. Wheezing Or Asthma Attacks
  4. Frequent Coughing
  5. Hives Or Rashes
  6. Episodes Of Vertigo
  7. Diarrhea, Nausea, And Abdominal Pain
  8. Metallic Tights In Your Mouth
  9. ” Brain Fog” Or Trouble Concentrating
  10. Joint Pain, Aches, Or Muscle Cramps

Related: How Long Before Black Mold Kills You?

As you can see, these symptoms may start with mild respiratory issues and extend to headaches and rashes also caused by a mold allergy. But, they become much more severe, including digestive issues and physical and neurological problems.

If you suspect a mold problem in your home and experience these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Next, call a mold specialist to test your home for the presence of spores.

You’ll want to alleviate your symptoms while also getting to the root of the problem.

And, if you have a ductless mini split in your home, the problem may be coming from your heating and cooling system.

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Common Mold Problems With Ductless Mini Splits

Mini splits provide excellent, customizable, and energy-efficient comfort in a single room or throughout your home. But, the downside is that they’re often filled with mold spores that end up in the air you breathe every day.

Here’s the problem: Mold requires dark, warmth, and moisture to grow. The insides of your air handlers meet all three conditions.

Sunlight doesn’t reach in there. And, the electronics plus the heat in the air keep it warm. Finally, there’s moisture from water vapor, especially when the system dehumidifies the summer air.

The result? A coil inside in an air handler looking like this:

A Ductless System Can Get Moldy If Not Taken Care Of

That’s an actual photo from one of our cleanings here in Cascade. All that microbial buildup results in mold spores, bacteria, and other junk circulating in the room. 

It’s why the homeowner called us in the first palace: The air felt “stale,” she said, and she was starting to feel sick at home. 

Fortunately, HydroKleen208 specializes in cleanings that are explicitly designed for this problem. Our customized tools and especially-made, non-toxic cleaning agents eradicate all the buildup in your air handler and heat pump in one easy visit. 

It’s quick, inexpensive, and there’s no mess. And the results are instant: Once we turn the mini split back on, you’ll notice that the air coming out of it feels cleaner. 

Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned?

And, if you want to go behind the scenes, here’s a picture of another coil. In this case, we cleaned half and left it partially dirty so the homeowner could see the difference we made:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

Mini Split Cleaning In Cascade, ID

HydroKleen208 offers the most comprehensive and effective mini split cleaning for homes and businesses in Cascade, ID and as far south as Boise Metro. We guarantee our process flushes out all the dirt, dust, and microbial contamination in your system. If you don’t notice a difference, your cleaning is free. Click below or call (208) 779-5596 to learn more.

Schedule A Mini Split Cleaning

Are You Too Tired At Home? Mold Exposure May Be The Reason.

by | Mar 16, 2022 | blog

Are You Always Too Tired At Home? Mold Exposure May Be The Reason.

Are You Too Tired At Home? Mold Exposure May Be The Reason.Are you tired all the time? If so, you’re not alone — especially not today. Surveys from early 2022 point to around 60 percent of American adults constantly feeling tired, particularly at home. Hectic work schedules, excess screen time, sleep deprivation, and stress contribute to this trend. And, we can add one more common cause: Mold exposure.

You probably already know that being around a lot of mold can make you sick. After all, it’s why we worry about it growing in our homes. But, do you know what health problems mold can cause — or how varied or subtle they can be?

It’s more than just “feeling sick,” although that’s a start. 

Everything from skin rashes to asthma attacks to even vertigo or depression can stem from too much mold around you. But then again, plenty of other factors can trigger those symptoms. 

So, microbial contamination, like breathing in spores at home, usually isn’t the first thing you or your doctor consider when diagnosing these medical issues.

Before we go any further, we need to stress: We’re not doctors! But, our service plays a vital role in removing mold from people’s homes. As a result, we’ve learned to recognize the signs of mold problems in a house or business and the physical symptoms that stem from exposure. 

HydroKleen208 specializes in mini split and heat pump cleaning in Boise Metro and Valley County in Idaho. And these systems are notorious for breeding mold that circulates in the air you breathe. 

If you’re experiencing signs of fatigue or other health concerns, please consult your general practitioner right away. After that, it’s worth checking your home for signs of a mold problem. Finding and fixing that can be the key to feeling better and healthier. 

This article will explore the relationship between mold exposure and feeling tired. Then, we’ll touch on how to identify and address a mold problem in your home. And, if you use a mini split or other heat pump system in your home, you’ll especially want to read till the end. 

Meanwhile, you can always call us with any questions or concerns about the indoor air quality in your Treasure Valley home or business. We’re here at (208) 779-5596.

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Can Mold In Your House Make You Tired?

More than three decades of research show that mold exposure, particularly at home, can cause people to feel tired or develop chronic fatigue. It’s due to mycotoxins, which are toxins produced by mold, decreasing oxygenation in the body, among other reactions that cause people to feel tired.

More Signs Of Mold Exposure

Fatigue isn’t the only symptom of mycotoxin exposure. People may also feel sick, develop rashes, start wheezing, or otherwise have difficulty breathing. These issues are even more pronounced for people with mold allergies.

Related: Can Black Mold Cause Vertigo?

Even more severe reactions can include “brain fog” or trouble concentrating, immune deficiencies, and other serious health issues that can become chronic.

However, part of the problem with identifying these is that they mimic many other issues. For instance, many of those minor symptoms can look like seasonal allergies or a reaction to different fabrics or laundry detergents.

And neurological issues can stem from a wide variety of causes. That’s why it’s also essential to look for other signs of mold in your home and address any you find.

Three Common Signs Of Mold In Your Home

Along with physical symptoms, the most common signs that your home has a mold problem are:

  • Persistent Musty Or Mildew Smell
  • Finding Spots On Furniture, Walls, Or Clothing
  • Walls Are Warped

Related: What Is The Best Temperature To Prevent Mold In My Home?

Persistent Musty Or Mildew Smell

Musty smells are a sign you have standing water or excess moisture somewhere. That means mold isn’t far behind if it’s not already growing. A mildew smell, more specifically, is a sign of fungus and organic growth.

Finding Spots On Furniture, Walls, Or Clothing

Collections of mold spores often take the form of round, colored spots and splotches on many surfaces in the house. Smaller ones may be flat, or they grow to become sticky or fuzzy.

Walls Are Warped

Bulging walls, bubbling or peeling wallpaper, or other damage is often a sign of mold growing where you can’t see it. And, even if that’s not the problem, it may be soon: Those are usually signs of water damage, possibly from a plumbing problem.

Common Mold Problems With Mini Splits

You are very likely to have a mold problem in your home if you’ve had a ductless mini split system for more than a year. It turns out that the air handlers become infested with mold very quickly, and they’re hard to clean. As a result, your heating and cooling system constantly spreads spores through the air it circulates.

Related: What You Need To Know About Microbial Contamination In Mini Splits.

For example, here’s a photo of the coil inside an air handler. We cleaned one side and left the other half dirty so the homeowner could see the difference:

You Can See How Dirty A Mini Split System Can Get

And, we’re sorry to say, that’s what we find most often when we show up for a cleaning. The problem is that the insides of these units are dark, moist, and warm — perfect for mold and other microbial contaminants to grow.  Meanwhile, it’s not easy to clean these out. You’d have to disassemble the entire thing, which voids the warranty unless a professional does it. Then, each tiny component needs to be scrubbed and sanitized, which could take hours and hours for a single air handler.  That’s where we come in.  Related: How Often Should A Mini Split Be Cleaned? HydroKleen208 uses equipment and nontoxic cleaners exclusively designed to flush out virtually every bit of dust, dirt, mold, bacteria, and other contaminants from a mini split system.  We have the benefit of a decade-plus of research and development. Our parent company, HydroKleen Global, has been working on the problem in other countries where mini splits have been widely used for years.  Now, we bring that technology to homes here in the Treasure Valley. You can read more about our process and what to expect from a cleaning in our Learning Library.

Mini Split And Heat Pump Cleaning In Kuna, ID

HydroKleen208 offers the most effective and comprehensive mini split and heat pump cleaning in Kuna, PA and across the Treasure Valley. With over a decade of ongoing research and development, we guarantee immediate improvements to your indoor air quality and comfort. To learn more or schedule an appointment, click below or call (208) 779-5596.
Schedule Your Ductless Deep Cleaning