HVAC systems & Mold

You rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable, but the dark air vents and ducts can produce an ideal space to grow. Worse, your HVAC system can spread mold.

If you are having trouble with your HVAC systems and mold as a tenant or homeowner, there may be remedies available to you. If a property owner is being negligent or if a contractor installed or maintained your HVAC system incorrectly, you may even be able to seek compensation. To find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group to schedule a consultation.

How HVAC Systems Can Spread Mold

When most people think of mold, they picture it on walls or ceilings after a leak. But mold in your HVAC system is often more dangerous because it circulates unseen through your entire home or business. Once spores settle in your air handler, ducts, or coils, every time the system runs, it can push contaminated air into every room.

In humid parts of Florida, like Miami or Hollywood, AC units often run year-round. The constant condensation inside the system creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. In Colorado, the risk looks different but is just as real. High-altitude winters often mean homes are sealed tight for warmth, and mold spores inside the ducts can recirculate endlessly in dry, heated air.

If your HVAC unit is compromised, mold can quickly become a health hazard and even a legal matter when landlords, builders, or contractors fail to keep systems safe.

At Flaxman Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how families in both Florida and Colorado suffer when hidden mold spreads through HVAC systems. We work to hold responsible parties accountable and to ensure you get any compensation you may be entitled to.

Common Causes of Mold Growth in HVAC Systems

How does mold get into your heating and cooling system? Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Moisture buildup. In Florida, the combination of high humidity and constant AC use often means condensation collects on coils or in drain pans. If maintenance crews don’t keep those areas clean and dry, mold takes hold quickly.
• Poor ventilation. In older Colorado and Florida homes, insufficient ventilation can trap moisture from showers, cooking, or even snow tracked indoors, feeding mold colonies inside ducts.
• Improper installation. If HVAC systems aren’t installed correctly, poor airflow or drainage problems can create hidden damp spots. We’ve seen cases where developers cut corners, leading to years of contamination.
• Neglected filters. Dirty or low-quality filters not only fail to catch spores but can become a breeding ground themselves. Property owners who don’t replace filters regularly are putting residents at risk.
• Water leaks nearby. Roof leaks in Colorado snowstorms or pipe leaks in Florida’s older coastal buildings often seep toward ductwork, creating invisible mold reservoirs.

The common thread? Many mold cases could have been prevented with proper design, upkeep, and attention. When property managers, landlords, or service providers fail in that duty, you may be able to hold them accountable and seek compensation through a personal injury or premises liability claim.

Signs Your HVAC System May Have Mold Contamination

Mold inside HVAC systems can be invisible for months or even years before families realize something is wrong. But there are signs to watch for:

• Unusual odors. A musty or earthy smell when the AC or heat turns on is often the first red flag.
• Visible growth. Black, green, or white spots around air vents, drip pans, or duct seams suggests contamination.
• Dust that seems different. If your surfaces collect a fine, unusual dust even after cleaning, it may be mold spores settling from the vents.
• Worsening health indoors. If symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or sinus issues improve when you’re outside or traveling but worsen at home, your HVAC may be the culprit.
• Inconsistent airflow. Blockages from mold growth can reduce airflow, making some rooms hotter or colder than others.

Families in both Florida and Colorado often dismiss these issues as allergies or just “old house problems.” But if you notice any of these problems, it’s worth investigating your HVAC system.

Health Risks from Mold in Heating and Cooling Systems

Mold exposure through HVAC systems is especially harmful because it’s continuous and hard to escape. Every breath you take at home or work may be delivering spores directly into your lungs.

You may experience:

• Sneezing, coughing, and congestion.
• Eye, throat, or skin irritation.
• Asthma flare-ups or increased wheezing.
• Chronic sinus infections.
• Severe asthma or respiratory illness.
• Neurological symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or memory problems.

In rare but documented cases, immune system damage or serious lung infections may occur. It is even possible for mold exposure to lead to fatalities and wrongful death claims. Children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.

Preventing Mold Growth in HVAC Units and Ducts

Prevention often costs far less than the damage mold can cause. Here are some steps that can help:

• Regular inspections. Seasonal inspections can keep your system working efficiently.
• Proper drainage: Condensation pans and lines must be kept clear. Backed-up water is a common cause of mold.
• High-quality filters. Upgrading filters and replacing them frequently protects the system and improves indoor air quality.
• Dehumidifiers. Supplemental dehumidifiers can help keep moisture levels low. Aim to keep humidity levels below 50%.
• Professional cleaning. Duct cleaning should be performed by certified professionals, especially if there’s been water damage nearby.

If you’ve taken reasonable steps to keep your home clean but mold keeps returning, there may be a larger system failure or maintenance issue at play. If the HVAC system itself is faulty, the manufacturer may be to blame and you may have a product liability claim. Or, your mold may be coming from another source. In these cases, consulting with a mold remediation expert can help you identify the cause and find possible solutions.

Why Families Turn to Flaxman Law Group in Mold Cases

Mold cases are often high stakes because your health (and possibly the health of your family) is on the line. Yet insurance companies often argue that the problem is cosmetic, minor, or caused by the resident. Flaxman Law Group offers a different kind of support:

• Great communication with toxic mold attorneys: When you call Flaxman Law Group, you speak with Charles or Steven Flaxman, who will personally oversee your case. You will have your attorney’s cell number, so you don’t have to go through a call center to connect.
• More than 60 years of combined experience: With backgrounds in insurance adjusting and defense, we know the strategies landlords and insurers use to avoid paying. We also have decades of experience representing clients across many practice areas.
• Proven results. Our firm has recovered nearly $1 billion for clients, including families whose homes and health were harmed by unsafe living conditions.
• Full-service care: We help clients navigate housing issues, medical referrals, and even property repairs. Most law firms won’t do this, but we’re not most law firms.

If you’re dealing with unexplained illness, property damage, or a landlord who won’t take your complaints seriously, Flaxman Law Group is here to help.

How To Clean and Remediate Mold in HVAC Systems

The main priority when cleaning mold is not to make the situation. You don’t want to spread spores or expose yourself to more mold. Here’s what you can do if you suspect mold:

• Turn off the HVAC system. Running it can push spores through every room.
• Document the problem. Take photos or video of mold around vents, coils, or drip pans.
• Get professional help. While some homeowners try bleach or store-bought sprays, HVAC mold often hides deep inside ductwork and coils. Certified remediation professionals have the tools to treat the system thoroughly.
• Talk to your doctor. Explain your concerns about mold exposure and get advice about reducing your risk. Your doctor can run tests, determine what underlying conditions could put you at risk, and start treatment for any mold-related conditions you may have.
• Consult with personal injury lawyers. HVAC systems and mold can be the basis of a claim if someone’s negligence led to injuries or property damage. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation if you qualify.

What’s important to remember is that cleaning is only half the solution. Unless the underlying issue is fixed, the mold will return. If you’re renting or living in a managed property, it’s often the landlord or property manager’s responsibility to ensure proper remediation.

Landlord And Property Owner Responsibilities for HVAC Mold

Both Florida and Colorado law require property owners to provide tenants with safe, habitable housing. That includes properly maintained HVAC systems. If mold develops because of poor upkeep or ignored repairs, landlords may be legally responsible.

If your landlord dismisses complaints with excuses like “just clean it yourself” or “it’s only mildew,” they may be violating the law. Flaxman Law Group helps tenants and homeowners hold landlords and associations accountable when mold makes a home unsafe. Our landlord-tenant dispute attorneys can present your case and negotiate with your landlord on your behalf.

Proving Liability In HVAC-Related Mold Cases

One of the biggest challenges you may face is proving that mold and your mold-related losses stemmed from someone’s negligence.  Evidence that can help prove liability includes:

• Inspection reports. HVAC specialists can document water intrusion, faulty installation, or improper maintenance.
• Medical records. Doctors may connect respiratory issues, skin irritation, or worsening asthma to mold exposure.
• Maintenance history. If landlords ignored repeated repair requests, a record of your requests and communications can strengthen your case.
• Photos, videos, and logs. Visual proof and notes about odors, visible mold, or recurring symptoms carry weight.

Flaxman Law Group works with a trusted network of medical experts, investigators, and other professionals who can help us gather evidence and build strong cases.

Compensation For Illnesses Caused by HVAC Mold Exposure

If you qualify for a legal claim, pursuing fair compensation is important because it ensures you have the resources you need to pay for the many costs that you may be facing. Compensation in mold cases may cover:

• Medical treatment for illnesses related to mold exposure.
• Relocation expenses if a home is unsafe to live in.
• Lost income if symptoms prevent you from working.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.

In severe cases, especially involving children, seniors, or immunocompromised individuals, damages may extend to long-term health care costs. In cases where you have lost a loved one due to dangerous mold, you may have a wrongful death claim. You may be able to seek compensation for loss of support and burial costs. If you have been exposed at work and are now too ill to work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

How a Toxic Mold Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

Trying to handle a mold case on your own is not a good idea because it is difficult to get justice and fair recovery on your own. Landlords may deny responsibility, contractors may point fingers, and insurers may delay until you’re forced to pay out of pocket. A toxic mold lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable.

At Flaxman Law Group, we use our years of restoration, trial, and insurance industry experience to help you seek justice. We investigate your claim thoroughly and gather evidence. We help you understand what avenues you may have for pursuing compensation, and we take care of the details of the process for you, whether that means filing paperwork or presenting your case in court.  We keep you informed as we seek compensation on your behalf, so you’re never in the dark.

Take Back Your Health and Your Home

If mold in your HVAC system has made you or your household sick or your home unsafe, it’s time to get answers. Contact Flaxman Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Let’s discuss how you can move forward and stay safe.