Mold is a clear and present danger in many homes. As per the EPA, this fungus needs oxygen, moisture, and food to grow. It can thrive on any wet surface, including the interior of the air conditioner. Air conditioner mold is a major hazard because it can spread rapidly and affect the health of everyone who breathes in the spores. These can include the pets, the elderly, the children, and the guests. Regular air conditioner inspection and maintenance by a certified HVAC contractor can prevent this situation.
Best Ways to Prevent Air Conditioner Mold
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Check your air conditioning unit from time to time. If you see signs of mold, then act quickly before things get any worse. Mold may be microscopic, but the damage that it can inflict on the house is massive. The repairs can cost you a lot of money. Keep in mind that your home insurance policy is unlikely to cover the cost unless mold damage resulted from flooding or some other catastrophic event listed in your contract. By keeping your AC clean and mold-free, you can save yourself a significant amount. Read on to learn more about it.
The Danger of Air Conditioner Mold
Mold isn’t always life-threatening, but it can trigger several health problems within the home, as per Medical News Today. Some individuals are more sensitive to this than others. Mold is capable of producing toxins that negatively impact the respiratory system. If a person breathes these in, then they might start to show signs of allergic reactions, aspergillosis, and breathing difficulties. What makes it dangerous in air conditioners is that the cooling system will help mold circulate across the house. Mold can the AC’s performance, as well, in case it reaches the electrical components.
Signs of Mold Presence in Air Conditioners
Since mold is danger in living spaces, you must be vigilant in checking for signs of fungal infestation in the air conditioner. It may not always be obvious. Sometimes mold can be hidden deep within, thriving in the moist sections that are not immediately visible. You should also consider that the mold might be hard to see unless the mold spores begin to sprout. That’s why you might want to consider getting the help of professional HVAC contractors for mold inspections inside the air conditioner and the ventilation system. They have the knowledge and experience to detect all traces.
HVAC professionals have seen it all from years of tackling similar cases in the past. They know where mold is likely to appear. They can recognize it even at the earliest stages. Homeowners can also sharpen their ability to detect mold through awareness of the following signs:
- Musty Air Conditioner Smell – You don’t always have to see mold to know that it’s there. Sometimes you can use your sense of smell. If it seems overly musty in your home, then check the AC since it is the most likely source.
- Visible Signs Of Air Conditioning Unit Mold – Mold is microscopic, so you might not see it right away. It is particularly hard to detect in its earliest stages, but it should become more visible as it begins to produce spores. Keep in mind that mold comes in a variety of colors depending on the amount of light, source of food, and levels of moisture available to it. Mold can appear black, green, grey, white, brown, red, orange, or purple. Having a color that is in sharp contrast to the background will make it more visible.
- Health & Indoor Air Quality Issues – Monitor the health of your family members. If symptoms emerge the moment you turn on the air conditioner, then it is reasonable to assume that the air coming from the AC may contain health hazards like mold spores. Keep your eyes peeled for signs like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and teary eyes. People might also start complaining about skin itching, wheezing, and other allergic reactions. Individuals with asthma might suffer from severe attacks.
How to Remove Mold from the Air Conditioner
Once you figure out that there is mold in your air conditioner, you need to begin the process of removing this right away. It is difficult and dangerous to tackle this alone. Stay safe and get better results by letting a qualified HVAC contractor handle the matter for you. Contact your local experts and tell them about your observations. They can visit your house to confirm this theory, assess the extent of the damage, remove the mold, and prevent it from coming back.
Tips to Prevent Air Conditioner Mold
Constant mold monitoring is a good thing, but many realize that the fungus has already inflicted considerable damage on property and people upon discovery. It is far better to prevent it from growing in the house, specifically in the AC, so you won’t have to deal with multiple problems because of mold. Regular maintenance visits by HVAC professionals can help with mold prevention and AC longevity. They will perform the following tasks to protect the air conditioner:
Disinfection of Air Conditioning Unit
The application of disinfectants to the air conditioning units, air ducts, and other components of the HVAC system will eliminate dangerous organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. Qualified technicians use EPA-approved products to ensure effectiveness without compromising people’s health.
- HVAC Filter Replacement – The air filters require regular cleaning with a frequency that corresponds to the level of pollutants in the environment. Do this at least every two weeks. Just remember that cleaning has its limits. At some point, you will need to replace the filters to avoid clogs and improve airflow. Experts recommend replacement every 45 to 90 days. However, every home is different and some may require a replacement every 30 days.
- Air Conditioner Mold Inhibitor – This substance can hinder mold and mildew growth. Using it can help in avoiding the spread of the fungus.
- Dry Ducts – Since mold likes moist environments, it is a good idea to keep surfaces as dry as possible. Air ducts tend to retain a significant amount of moisture so HVAC technicians will do something about this. They can clean the ducts, fix leaks, and replace damaged sections.
- UV Light – The last solution is to install ultraviolet lighting fixtures in strategic areas to clean surfaces and the air itself. UV is known to kill microbes, including mold and bacteria.
Conclusion
Mold in air conditioning systems can damage parts of the home. It can also lead to discomfort and deteriorating health. Get an experienced HVAC contractor to help you find and remove all traces of mold. They can visit regularly for thorough HVAC inspections and cleaning solutions. They can also provide tips and tricks for mold protection.
Call Skylands Energy Service For Your Air Conditioning Requirements
For all your heating and cooling needs, make sure to call Skylands Energy Service. We have only the best highly trained and professionally certified technicians in Central New Jersey. All our techs are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in conducting superior HVAC maintenance, replacements, repairs, and installations on your system.
Our company offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the locality. Our tune-up services can increase your energy efficiency, enhance home comfort, and improve indoor air quality while reducing energy costs. If you need an HVAC repair or HVAC replacement system, we can recommend the most suitable one for your home that’s within your budget. All our work comes with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Book a service appointment and call Skylands Energy Service today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!