How Do I Get Rid Of Mold In My Air Conditioner
Cleaning up mold can be difficult, messy, and the process of cleaning mold out of an air conditioner is dependent on the type of unit. Car AC units, window units, and central AC units differ greatly regarding the resources needed to eradicate them of mold. Regardless of what you are cleaning, the area where you perform the clean-up should be well-ventilated, and you should wear non-porous gloves and a face mask with goggles, especially if you are sensitive to mold. Mold can be wiped up with a household cleaner and a cloth or sponge. Bleach is not needed to remove mold. If mold has grown on a porous surface such as wood, plaster, carpet or upholstery, you will probably not be able to get rid of all the mold. The moldy item or section will need to removed, thrown away and replaced.
Window unit: By the time you see small mold spots forming on the air direction vanes or grate of your window air conditioner, it is probably too late. The mold you see is just the tip of the iceberg. You can disassemble the unit and try to clean mold from the internal air ducts, coils, evaporators and other parts, but there is always a chance you will miss some and the mold will simply grow back. A moldy window unit likely needs to be replaced.
How To Remove Black Mold From Air Ducts And Vents
Removing mold that has begun growing inside air vents can be a challenge. Some experts recommend using ozone, but the CDC and other agencies have warned that this method of removing mold can be damaging to the respiratory system. Mold can be killed with a mixture of one cup of bleach per gallon of water, but chances are good that you wont be able to reach the mold deep inside the duct work of the home. Instead, you can follow these steps to kill mold in air vents:
Step 1: Have the substance you suspect to be black mold tested to be sure that it is actually this type of fungus. You can avoid a potentially time consuming and costly cleanup with this simple test.
Step 2: Identify the main cause of the mold in your home. Wet wall interiors and damp baseboards can contribute to mold. Identify and treating the main cause of mould will ensure the problem doesnt reoccur.
Step 3: Check the insulation surrounding the ductwork. If the mold in your air vents has extended into the surrounding insulation, you will need to replace this material.
Step 4: Clean the interior of the air vents using a professional cleaner who has been recognized by the NADCA. Since improper removal of mold can be a waste of time, and money, you will want to choose someone who has experience and specialized knowledge in removing fungus.
How To Remove Mold From Hvac System
When it comes to cleaning mold, there are a number of chemicals and natural cleaners that can be used, although some will be more effective than others, depending on the species and how far it has penetrated.
Removing it from air ducts deep within your home can be tricky because they can be hard to reach, so you may have to remove them from their place in order to clean them properly. But you can follow these steps in removing mold from the air vents first to prevent the majority of the mold from spreading to other areas.
You May Like: What To Do If You Have Mold On Your Walls
Why Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Preventive maintenance is essential. It contributes to:
- optimal performance of your device
- saving energy and cost!
- extended service life
- healthier air, with bacteria elimination and fungus prevention
In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about mold in AC units, prevent it, and deal with it.
How Can I Get Rid Of Mold In My Hvac System
If you dont have an extensive mold problem in your ducts, DIY is an option here. Whats considered an extensive problem? 10 square feet, according to the EPA.
The first thing you have to do before you start cleaning is choose a quality disinfectant thats designed to remove mold and is labeled as safe to use in your ductwork. You dont want cleaner fumes being spread all around the house that arent safe to breathe. As far as DIY cleaners using bleach and such, we would skip those and go straight for a commercial mold disinfectant.
You also shouldnt try to do any of this cleanup without gear that will protect you from not just the mold, but whatever cleaner you decided to choose. Youll need at least an N95 mask, rubber gloves, a protective suit, and safety goggles. A vacuum cleaner also helps, but to be clear about this, when youre using a vacuum cleaner on mold, youll want to throw your vacuum away afterward because it will be contaminated. Its best to use a wet/dry vac for this.
Supply List
- Vacuum cleaner
- Cleaning rags
If the problem is more than 10 square feet, however, you should call a local mold remediation company to do the cleanup.
Covering the Air Vents
Turn Off the System
This is done because you dont want to spread mold spores by running the fan at all.
Tapping the Duct Work
Vacuuming the Vents
Replacing Filters in the Air Return Registers
Cleaning the Blower Compartment And Return Air Boot
Don’t Miss: What Can Mold Cause To Your Health
Should I Replace The Vents/ductwork
Just because the vents are moldy, theres no need to replace them. As long as structural integrity remains, simple cleaning is enough. If you have a central AC system and the vents are moldy, take a look at the ductwork. Finding mold here a well is not uncommon.
If mold exists within your ductwork, theres no need to worry about replacing that either.
In fact, with a flexible mop and the cleaning solution of your choice may be enough to deal with it. You should know that if the situation is bad enough, you can call professionals in for ductwork cleaning.
Protect Yourself When You Remove Mold In Air Vents And Ducts
When removing mold from vents, you will need to have some specific tools on hand. A face mask with a HEPA filter is a necessity to avoid the spores entering your nose and mouth. You will also need some bleach, water, and tools to reach the insides of the vents. You will want to make sure that the electric to the furnace or air conditioning system is shut off before beginning your task. A long, flexible mop or sponge is needed to spread the bleach solution inside vents. Allow the ducts to dry thoroughly before turning the system back on.
Recommended Reading: What Mold Does To Your Body
Mold In Air Ducts How To Get Rid Of It
Disclosure: PickHVAC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site. We may receive commissions at no additional costs to you.
Out of all the issues that can hit homeowners, mold is among the worst. It can cause a variety of health issues if left unchecked and is also hard to get rid of. When mold is visible, you can usually take care of the problem yourself, but the usual cleaning methods wont work if the mold is in your air ducts. In this guide, were going to touch on the main causes of mold in air ducts and tell you how to get rid of it.
Content Navigation
Get The Right Supplies
Before getting to work, you want to have everything you will need already on-hand. You do not want to be halfway through the job only to discover you need to rush to the store to grab something. The items you need include:
- Face mask
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Screwdriver
Once you get everything, you need to make sure you clean your AC unit in an open space. You want good ventilation in the area, so open some nearby windows to get some air in the room.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Powder Mold
Diy Mold Removal Steps
Before you spend the time and money cleaning mold out of your ductwork, have the substance tested by a lab to determine that it is in fact mold. If you determine that it is mold, try to assess how extensive the growth may be. If it is extensive, you will probably need the help of a professional HVAC contractor to assess the extent of the problem and the best way to clean it out effectively. In some cases, the insulation around the ductwork will be infested and need replacement from an HVAC contractor.
If you believe the mold infestation has not established itself in a large area, however, you can remove it yourself and save a significant amount of money. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Find a mold removal cleaning agent and mold inhibitor. You can make your own mold cleaner by mixing one tablespoon of household detergent, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1 cup of water for porous surfaces. For non-porous surfaces , you can use 1 part bleach with 16 parts water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for ease of application. Alternatively, you can purchase an EPA-approved mold killing product. Also, purchase an EPA-approved mold inhibitor to apply after the cleaning.
2. Wear protective clothing. Protect yourself from the mold killing agents you are using and the mold itself. The EPA recommends wearing an N95 mask, and you should wear rubber gloves, coveralls, and protective eyewear.
4. Choose your removal option:
6. Install new filters. Install new air filters.
Mold In Air Conditioners: How To Clean And Prevent Growth
Mold and mold spores can reduce the air quality in your home, especially if someone in your household has a mold allergy. Mold growing in the bathroom or basement is bad enough, but what if mold grows in your air conditioner or inside the ducts of your HVAC system? We will explain how mold might form in a window-unit air conditioner or in ductwork, how to prevent it, and what to do if you do find mold in your air conditioner.
Recommended Reading: Is Mold Really That Bad
Where Is The Reset Button On My Samsung Remote
Next Steps of how to get rid of mold in air ducts: Start by turning off the heating/cooling vents. When you can reach the spot, start scrubbing the moldy areas thoroughly with a wet rag or a light brush. Repeat the process for a visibly extensive mold infestation. Dispose of the rags in airtight trash bags.
Thereof, How do you get mold out of air vents?
Start by turning off the heating/cooling vents. When you can reach the spot, start scrubbing the moldy areas thoroughly with a wet rag or a light brush. Repeat the process for a visibly extensive mold infestation. Dispose of the rags in airtight trash bags.
Also to know is, How do I know if my air vents have mold? Smell: Another indicator of mold in your air ducts is smell. Black mold especially has a very distinctive musty odor. If you notice a musty smell, chances are that you have mold in your air conditioner. If left unnoticed, this smell can worsen and become extremely unpleasant for you and your family.
Subsequently, question is, How much does it cost to remove mold from air ducts? The average air duct cleaning job properly done takes several hours and costs between $350 and $500. The key to ridding your home of mold is to first identify the source of the problem typically a water leak. Ridding your home of mold without addressing the root cause will just lead to a recurrence of the problem.
Also, Is mold on air vents dangerous?
Is There A Way To Get Rid Of Mold In An Air Conditioner
Getting rid of mold can be a complicated, messy, and frustrating task. The location where the mold is growing needs to be properly ventilated when youre cleaning, otherwise the spores can be released and recirculated, exacerbating the problem. Additionally, wearing protective elements, such as a face mask, non-porous gloves, and googles is highly recommended particularly if you have a sensitivity to mold. With that said, however, as long as you protect yourself and make sure that the space is well-ventilated, you can effectively clean up mold. Here are some tips that you can use to clean mold from both single air conditioning units, such as window or stand-alone units, and central air conditioning systems.
You May Like: How To Get Mold Smell Out Of Basement
Diy Remediation For Mold In Hvac Systems
Personal protection equipment, or PPE, is the essential first step for the do-it-yourself individual. Gloves, safety goggles, and a N-95 rated mask are required to ensure your personal safety while remediating mold.
Once again, make sure the system is shut down. Turn off the appropriate circuit breaker to ensure that the furnace or air conditioning unit will not come on. Remove any furnace filters, bag them up, seal the bags closed, and dispose of them. Next, choose a cleaning solution containing baking soda, borax, or household detergent and mix it appropriately with water. . Fill a spray bottle with the solution.
Using a HEPA vacuum, remove as much visible mold as possible. Then generously apply your cleaning solution on the moldy areas using the spray bottle and allow the solution to dwell for several minutes. Using towels that can be thrown away, wipe the areas where you saw the mold. Then repeat vacuuming with the HEPA vac. Sometimes you may need to repeat this entire process, especially if there was a lot of mold present. Dont forget to bag the dirty towels before removing them to a trash receptacle.
Lastly, apply a mold inhibitor to control mold growth inside your HVAC system. Make sure that you use only EPA registered products that are intended for use on heating and cooling systems. Keep in mind that mold can grow in as little as 48 hours, so after a couple of days you should re-inspect your system.
How To Kill Mold With Bleach
Bleach produces harsh fumes so make sure the area is well ventilated before you begin. You should also wear gloves during the process to protect your hands.
You May Like: Do Water Filters Remove Mold
Clean The Air Ducts To Help Mold Removal
Youllwant to have the help of a professional team to clean out your air ducts. Themold removal process in some parts of your HVAC system, if youre not a trainedprofessional, can be dangerous and almost impossible.
Usingchemical solutions to completely clean out the HVAC unit is the first step inridding the unit of mold colonies.
Can Mold In Air Vents Make You Sick
Respiratory Issues Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath could all be symptoms you experience if there is decaying vermin or mold in your air vents. The American Lung Association warns that poor indoor air quality can contribute to the spread of bacteria, infections, and even lung disease in extreme cases.
Read Also: How To Clean Black Mold On Shower Grout
Proactive Measures Are Better Than Reactive Measures
Its always better to stop a problem before it starts. Because mold can be harmful to your health, or others who enter your home, this is especially true. If you are cleaning the mold yourself, use of an inhibiter once the vents are clean will help prevent mold from reappearing.
Because moisture breeds mold, dealing with humidity is another proactive step to take.
A dehumidifier is especially helpful when you live in a humid region. Be mindful that an AC system reduces humidity by nature, and using a dehumidifier may only be needed during times when the AC is not in use.
Concluding Thoughts
Mold is scary, but you can handle it yourself. Just remember to make sure to protect yourself when cleaning. If mold is growing on your vents, there is cause to check other parts of the HVAC system.
Drip pans drain and any other parts of the system where moisture is present is where mold will grow. Again, theres no need to panic just apply a few simple cleaning methods.
Ac Unit Mold Removal Instructions
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Walls
