Indoor air quality is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a health concern. For many homeowners in Des Moines, the HVAC system is the heart of indoor air circulation. It keeps the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it can also become a vehicle for spreading airborne allergens if not properly maintained. When dust, pollen, and mold in HVAC systems go unchecked, they can circulate through the ductwork and affect every room in your home. Des Moines' climate plays a big role in this. With humid summers that create ideal conditions for mold growth and cold winters that lead to increased furnace use, your HVAC system experiences stress year-round. In this guide, we will walk you through how HVAC systems can spread allergens, signs that yours may need cleaning, and what you can do to improve your indoor air quality. We’ll also explain how ServiceMaster by Rice in Des Moines can help you breathe easier with professional mold remediation services.
How HVAC Systems Can Circulate Allergens in Your Home
Your HVAC system is designed to circulate air—but when allergens are present, it also circulates those particles throughout your home. Dust, pet dander, and pollen easily collect in air ducts, especially if filters are dirty or outdated. Mold in HVAC systems often grows in the evaporator coils, drip pans, or ductwork, especially when moisture is present. Once mold spores settle into your system, they can be blown through vents and inhaled by anyone in the home. Des Moines summers, known for high humidity, increase the risk of moisture accumulating in your HVAC components, feeding mold and mildew growth. Mold spores are particularly concerning because they can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions. If your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, it can become the perfect conduit for these harmful particles.
Signs Your HVAC System Needs Cleaning
Wondering if your HVAC system might be contributing to indoor allergens? Here are some common red flags to look for:
- Dust buildup on furniture and around air vents even after cleaning.
- Musty or moldy odors when the HVAC system turns on.
- Increased allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or asthma flare-ups.
- Visible mold around air vents or inside ductwork.
- Uneven airflow or rooms that don’t heat or cool properly.
- Higher utility bills, which can signal clogged filters or airflow blockages.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth scheduling an inspection. These symptoms are not only frustrating—they could be a sign that mold in your HVAC is circulating through your home.
How Iowa’s Climate Affects HVAC System Cleanliness
Des Moines residents are all too familiar with the dramatic seasonal shifts Iowa brings. These changes can put extra pressure on your HVAC system—and affect your home’s air quality in several ways:
- Summer humidity - High moisture levels can cause condensation to form in your HVAC system, particularly in cooling coils and ductwork. This damp environment is ideal for mold and mildew.
- Winter heating - When you switch to heat, indoor air tends to dry out. Dry air increases the spread of dust and may cause buildup inside vents and filters.
- Transitional seasons (spring and fall) - Pollen and outdoor allergens peak, making it easier for them to enter your HVAC system and circulate indoors.
Because of this, Iowa homeowners should treat HVAC maintenance as a year-round task—not just a seasonal one.
Tips to Improve Air Quality in Your HVAC System
If you're concerned about the possibility of mold or other allergens spreading through your HVAC system, here are practical steps you can take:
- Change filters regularly - Replace air filters every 1–3 months to prevent dust, pollen, and mold spores from recirculating.
- Schedule professional duct cleaning - A professional cleaning removes built-up contaminants, including mold in HVAC ducts.
- Use a dehumidifier - Controlling indoor humidity (ideally keeping it below 60%) helps prevent mold growth.
- Inspect for leaks - Check for signs of moisture around your HVAC unit and address leaks immediately.
- Upgrade to HEPA filters - High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap finer particles, improving air quality.
- Clean vents and registers - Regular dusting or vacuuming helps keep debris from reentering the air system.
- Install an air purifier - Whole-home purifiers add an extra layer of defense against allergens and pollutants.
Implementing these habits can make a big difference in your home’s air quality and help protect your family’s health.
How ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines, IA Can Help
When it comes to addressing mold and improving your HVAC system’s air quality, professional help can make all the difference. At ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines, we specialize in mold remediation and HVAC cleaning services tailored for Iowa homes. Our Services Include:
- Comprehensive mold removal - We locate and eliminate mold in HVAC systems, including ductwork and internal components.
- Advanced cleaning techniques - Our team uses EPA-approved methods to decontaminate your system and remove allergens safely.
- Climate-specific expertise - With years of experience working in Des Moines’ humid summers and freezing winters, we know what your HVAC system is up against.
- Preventive recommendations - Beyond cleaning, we’ll help you identify what caused the mold in the first place and how to prevent it in the future.
Our goal is to leave you with a cleaner, safer indoor environment where you can breathe easy season after season.
Breathe Easier with a Clean HVAC System
Your HVAC system is essential to your comfort—but it also plays a critical role in your health. If you’ve been noticing musty odors, more dust than usual, or increased allergy symptoms, your HVAC system could be spreading more than just warm or cool air. It might be circulating mold and other allergens. The good news? You don’t have to tackle this alone. ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines is here to help you restore and maintain a healthier home environment. Whether you’re dealing with visible mold or just want peace of mind, our mold remediation and HVAC cleaning services are designed to keep your air clean, fresh, and safe.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about how we can help eliminate mold in HVAC systems—so your family can breathe easier, no matter the season.
