HVAC & Air Duct Mold Removal in Kingston Springs, TN

Local conditions in Kingston Springs

Kingston Springs began as a mineral-springs resort with a hotel built in 1819 and grew into a residential town after sewer service arrived in 1989. It sits on the Harpeth River, about 19 miles from Nashville, with the river's wooded floodplain running past Burns Park and Harpeth River State Park. In May 2010 the Harpeth at Kingston Springs set a record crest well above the 1946 mark and washed away the river gauge, and volunteers later cleared debris from three destroyed houses near Burns Park. Homes that took water then may still have duct runs or air handlers that were never fully replaced. Even on higher ground, river-valley humidity and summer storms keep crawl spaces damp, and that's where many systems have their ducts.

Clean or replace?

Signs to watch for

• A stale, earthy smell that shows up a minute after the blower starts
• Growth on the back of supply grilles or inside the return
• Rust, water stains or standing water under the air handler
• Duct insulation in the crawl space that sags or feels damp
• Allergy-type irritation that eases when you leave the house; EPA notes mold can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, so talk with a health professional about symptoms

Timing and the seasons

Problems usually show up in early summer, when the AC starts pulling heavy moisture out of the air and a partly clogged drain line finally overflows. Spring storms that raise the Harpeth can leave water under houses on low lots. If ducts sat in water, EPA says to assume mold if things couldn't be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Duct or framing replacement may need a permit from Kingston Springs Building and Codes, which takes applications through its iWorQ portal.