What You Should Do If You Suspect Mold In Window Air Conditioner Unit
While air conditioner units should not grow mold under normal operating conditioners, if you suspect mold it is important to clean your window air conditioner to remove any possible mold growth. Turn the unit OFF until you can confirm that it is free of mold. Using an air conditioner that contains mold will blow microscopic mold spores into your home, causing the potential for serious health issues and illness.
Cleaning Agents Used For Window Air Conditioners
We can make our solution out of anything available at home. We can use detergent mixed with water and put it on a spray bottle. Others also use cleaning liquid specified for air conditioners. You can improvise on the cleaning agents you wish to use so long they arent acidic solutions which can ruin your AC. The cleaning solution you will use will make this how to clean a window air conditioner mold task easier.
If Youre Not Able To Remove Your Window Air Conditioner Dont Worry
How to clean outside ac window unit. While hosing down your ac is certainly effective when it comes to cleaning, there are additional tasks you can perform to help it run optimally and improve its overall performance. Here are seven simple steps to prepare your window air conditioner for the off season: Much less buildup can still cause issues in cooling.
Reassemble the air conditioning unit, install it into the desired window and plug it into its power source. Just make sure you have something soft for the unit to land on. You have to actually take the casing off to access the coil.
Lift with your legs or have a friend give you a hand. How to clean and service window ac unit without removing from wall. Central air conditioning units often have filters that are meant to be replaced rather than cleaned, so if youre going to clean the filter on a large unit, you should check the instruction manual to see whether cleaning the filter is actually an option.
We get a hose and spray water directly onto the coil. You can still follow the upcoming steps Unplug the ac unit and carry it outside.
To clean your window air conditioner on a monthly basis, first remove the front panel of. Removing your window air conditioner typically involves disconnecting the power, removing the front panel, and then gently pulling the unit inside. Remove the grill from the outside of the window ac unit.
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What Causes Black Mold In Ac Ducts
Mold grows in ductwork when two things are present: moisture and warm temperatures. A warm, humid environment has the ideal conditions for mold to form. A humid climate along with poor ventilation, or anything that traps moisture in your walls and causes condensation, can lead to mold in air ducts.
How Do You Clean Mold Out Of A Window Air Conditioner
In order to clean mold out of your window air conditioner, you will need to put a few gallons of hot water and 1/2 a cup of bleach in a five-gallon bucket. Youll need to soak the sponge and wipe down the inside of your air conditioner. Make sure youre removing any mold that you see. Th bleach in the mixture will help to kill any existing mold spores.
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Keeping Mold Out Of Your Ac
In Florida, an air conditioner is a necessity when it comes to personal comfort. If your home doesnt have central or ductless AC, a window AC unit is a good alternative and can provide a lot of relief during the summer months. However, that doesnt mean its without downsides.
If not properly taken care of, window air conditioners can develop mold and no one wants to be breathing that in! When it comes to keeping mold out of your AC, here are a few precautions you can take.
Supplies Needed To Clean A Window Air Conditioner Without Removing It
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To Clean Your Window Air Conditioner On A Monthly Basis First Remove The Front Panel Of Your Unit And Take Out The Filter
How to clean a dirty window ac unit. Cleaning a reusable air filter. How to clean your window ac unit. Rinse the filter clean and set it aside to dry.
Both accumulate dirt, which can be cleaned with the same detergent solution used for the fins. Common issues caused by a dirty condenser coil. First, after disconnecting power, remove the shroud of the ac.
It doesnt actually cool all of the air inside of it. Extend the life of your ac and at the same time prevent poor indoor air quality with this option. How to clean your a/c unit.
Your window ac can break down under the unforgiving heat of the middle east. Most people assume warm air from their air conditioning unit means its low on refrigerant. Dirty condenser coils can cause a number of problems.
It was a pleasure dealing with your team. A dirty ac unit can pose problems to your health. One of the ways in which a dirty condenser coil will affect an air conditioner is to reduce the overall efficiency of the unit.
What youll need to clean window ac units. Finally, spray the crevice in between the fan and the back coils. All you need to do is clean or replace the filter regularly, depending on the type of filter.
If your air conditioner uses a reusable air filter, you. Unplug the unit from the wall to clean the window air conditioner without removing it. Wash the condenser coil with a water hose at a slow water pressure to ensure you don’t bend the condenser fins, suggests brian ludemann of devine mechanical.
How To Clean Air Conditioner Fins
Once you have the cover off and the grill is exposed, take a soft brush and brush any grime and dirt off of the fins.A soft brush because you do not want to bend the fins.
If the finns are already bent, you can purchase whats called a fin comb that will straighten them back out.
This step can easily be done with a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air. If you have a portable compressor, you will be able to blow any grime and debris on the fins off that much easier.
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Keep An Eye On Humidity
Humidity is a natural cause of moisture which, in turn, is the main cause of mold. The Center for Disease Prevention and Control recommends indoor humidity in the range of 30% 60% to discourage mold growth.
Window air conditioners often share some properties with dehumidifiers, but if relative humidity exceeds 60%, youll likely find that the air conditioner is ineffective in controlling humidity.
If you find the air humid even when the air conditioner is running, the CDC suggests a dehumidifier to help you keep humidity under control.
Install A Uv Filter And Remove Any Organic Sources Of Mold From Your Home
Mold spores can be controlled using a UV filter in an HVAC system. It traps and destroys allergens using UV light and a high-end filter. As a result, a UV filter can come to the aid of allergy and asthma patients by killing germs and mold spores in the air.
Also, mold may develop on a variety of substrates, including dust. As a result, you should vacuum regularly to remove dirt and organic compounds from your carpet as well as other locations or things in your home where these tiny particles might attach.
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What You Need To Know About Mold In A Window Air Conditioner
If youre reading this article, chances are youre thinking ahead about the impact mold can have on your window air conditioner and on your health .
Youre smart to think ahead. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , potential health effects of mold exposures can include allergic reactions and asthma in those who are sensitive, as well as other respiratory issues.
Whats more, preventing mold is the best way to ensure your a/c unit lasts for years to come
Preventing Mold Growth In Your Ac Unit
Fungi and bacteria that thrive in moist environments can grow on the inside of air conditioning units, leading to a musty smell and causing health problems. Mold can cause respiratory issues such as sinus problems or headaches for those with allergies or respiratory issues. These pesky spores have been known to trigger asthma attacks as well.
Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent this from happening. You should make sure your AC unit isnt leaking by periodically checking condensation levels at the bottom of your unit with a flashlightif its wet down there, you may want to get someone out to look at the unit right away! You should also make sure that your AC unit is properly insulated. A well-insulated system will not let in as much warm air and moisture, which means less mold growth.
One last thing you can do to prevent mold from growing inside of your vents is to change the filters regularly according to the manufacturers instructions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , mold can cause the following ailments in people:
- Congestion
- Eye problems
- Shortness of breath and fever
Its important to note that not everyone who comes into contact with mold will have these health problems, but those who are sensitive to mold could have the following reactions. These health risks can be serious, making mold prevention in your AC a big deal.
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Clean The Condenser Coils
The backside of the unit has a covering that you can take off as well. This covering protects the unit from weather elements but does need cleaning. Underneath the covering is the condenser coils.
Spraying the concoction of water and detergent can clean them. This will allow the grime to run off. Some people use a hose to spray it but it is better to use detergent to clean it more effectively. Once you do that, let this area dry.
How To Clean Mold Out Of Your Window Ac Unit
Weve written on the topic of mold many times. Weve talked about how to prevent it from spreading, how to find it when its hidden, and how to remove it from your home. Its a frequent topic because mold prevention is family protection and there are few things we care about more than the health and wellbeing of the folks in the communities we serve.
Theres one mold-related topic we havent covered yet, however: what you should do if mold has found its way into one of your window air conditioning units.
Short answer: you have to clean it out.
Long answer: you have to clean it out, and well walk you through exactly how to do it below.
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How Does Mold In Air Handlers Happen
Mold needs two things to live:
Air handlers have two things inside of them, can you guess what they are?
Air handlers are a source of dust as it sucks in all the air inside your home. Furthermore, air handlers cool your home down, which also removes humidity from the air. The humidity is collected, condensed, and removed from the home using the condensation line.
Therefore, in order to control molds life inside our air handlers, we need to control dust and the water.
How Do You Clean Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts
Cleaning mold from your central air conditioner ducts is a bit more finicky than removing it from a window unit. You should contact a professional who can properly look at your ducts, particularly if the mold has spread through an area greater than 10 square feet. Theyll need to actually remove the affected portion of your ducts and give it a good scrubbing.
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Where Did That Mildew Smell Come From
There are several possible reasons for that musty stink:
- Window air conditioners have a drip tray that is a necessary component of the system. This collection of water, along with heat and dust, allow for some pretty nasty muck to collect over time. The smell associated with this stuff is best described as being sour, moldy, or mildewy.
- If there’s a drainage problem, water may have pooled and mildew may have grown on the filter, condenser coil, or somewhere else inside.
If the mold is black , it’s toxic, and you’ll want to get rid of it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. I’ve outlined some steps below that people take to remove the smell, but its always best to refer to any literature that came with the window air conditioner at the time of purchase.
WARNING: Most window units are pressurized systems and have a charged capacitor that could cause a shock, so at no time should a homeowner remove anything other than the case, which exposes the internal components of the window air unit. Doing anything other than removing the case may result in personal injury.
Causes Of Mold Growth In Acs
Mold is a type of fungus. Like all living organisms, fungi require three things to grow: oxygen, water and organic matter. Since air conditioners circulate air and the cooling coils tend to create condensation, the first two criteria for mold growth are bound to be present in an air conditioner.
Air conditioners and ductwork also provide the dark spaces where mold can thrive. Add some organic materialwhich can simply be dust and other debrisand you have all the conditions for mold to grow.
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Deep Clean The Unit When Necessary
Dust is not the only culprit in the growth of mold. A deeper clean may be necessary if you find that theres heavy gunk or dirt inside your air conditioner.
Grime can lead to mold really quickly, and if you want to avoid mold in your AC, youve got to start off with a clean unit.
In cases where your AC needs a deeper clean, you should take the following steps to clean it thoroughly:
If you perform regular maintenance on your AC unit, you should not have to go through the above steps too often.
However, its important to know how to clean it appropriately should the need present itself.
Ways To Prevent Mold In Window Air Conditioners
Unfortunately, once youve had mold, there is a high chance it will return. There is nothing you can do about that unless you want to spend money on a brand new AC.
That happens because mold spores can remain in the deep parts of the AC. To prevent mold from forming, get rid of dust regularly. Make it a habit to clean the inside of your air conditioner every few weeks.
If there is no dust in the unit, the mold wont get a chance to grow. You can blow dust out of the back of the AC with compressed air. Some people cover their air conditioner with a towel when theyre not using it.
If you have AC in your house, you must also have a drainage system that leads to a drain tile or a utility sink. Make sure the system is working and doesnt allow moisture in the AC. If your drains get clogged, your whole house can get flooded.
To make mold prevention easier, you can schedule regular cleanings and maintenance checkups. Dont forget about HVAC maintenance when the seasons are changing. Let your air conditioner prepare for the change in weather in due time.
Window air conditioners are especially good for mold, as they are dark and warm on the inside. To avoid mold outbreaks, conduct regular checkups and clean the unit every few weeks.
If youre looking to change your air conditioner, get one with humidity control. That takes all the work off your shoulders and lets the AC control the levels of moisture.
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Then Continue With Overall Ac Filter Cleaning:
1. If you’ve antibacterial soap, place the stopper in a bathtub, utility tub, or large sink. Fill 2″ of water in it, and pour in a full dose of dish soap. Roll it to mix the soap.
2. Remove the grille in the front of the AC, remove the filter, or just slide the filter out of its slot. Most grilles contain clips a few have screws.
3. Leave the filter in the soapy water or spray it on either side with Tilex. Let it sit for 15 minutes .
4. Smoothly rub both sides of the filter using the nylon brush. Wash the filter thoroughly. Shake it slowly to speed up the drying. Attach it up or smoothly towel it off, and let it dry. Done!
