Prevent Future Mold Growth
There are several things you can do to stop mold from growing in the first place after you have cleaned your unit. First, you should leave your AC on at all times. Your AC does more than cool down the air. It also conditions the air by removing moisture, which also makes your home more comfortable. Leave your AC on a continuous cycle.
Itâs also highly recommended to get on a routine maintenance schedule. You should hire a professional to inspect your unit at least once a year to make sure everything works as it should. A Day & Night Air professional will also tell you if you have the early signs of mold growing. They will conduct deep maintenance and clean your unit to prevent mold from developing initially. This will save you a lot of hassle. Although you are certainly capable of cleaning a unit on your own, it helps to have a professional do it to stop the problem from coming back.
Additionally, you need to identify and stop any leaks as soon as they form. Mold requires moisture to develop, so a leak in the system will lead to mold growth quickly. Mold also needs stale air, so if you turn off your AC often, then mold has everything it needs to thrive.
Know When To Replace An Ac Unit
Most people should be perfectly capable of cleaning an AC unit to get rid of any mold. However, there are extreme cases where you will be better off throwing away the unit completely. The above steps are great for mild cases of mold, where only a couple streaks have formed. However, if the entire interior of the unit has fuzzy mold, then you should not attempt to clean it on your own. You can hire an AC professional to look at it in this instance. The advice you get may be to install a new AC unit.
Even in this instance, cleaning the unit may be a fruitless endeavor. This is why it is critical to keep up-to-date with AC maintenance. You have to neglect your AC for a long time in order for mold to get this bad. It is even possible that hiring someone to clean the AC for you will cost more than simply purchasing a new unit.
Homesense On The Radio
I was asked my opinion about this issue on a recent Todays Homeowner with Danny Lipford radio show, which is a nationally syndicated weekly radio program. A caller had a 5 year old home and had an HVAC tech tell him that he had mold, and recommend two possible solutions to the problem.
Listen here at minute 30:00 for the full answer. But, like I said above, the basic feedback was are you sure its mold? and are you sure this will resolve the issue?
Recommended Reading: Best Way To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
Your Local Hvac Specialist
A mold infestation can be a serious health problem for your family, but its also preventable. Be sure to have your system checked so that your concerns can be addressed right away. Let us help you protect your family and keep your HVAC system running cleanly. Request an estimate or call AQM in Exton, Pennsylvania at
Is Mold Lurking In Your Air Conditioning
Your A/C may be making you sick. HVAC systems can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. Unfortunately, this common problem for homes can cause health problems for homeowners. It also has the power to lower a homes value.
Learn more about what causes mold in an air conditioning system and how to spot it. Plus, weve provided some tips from the pros on how to prevent mold growth and get rid of this pesky invader.
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What Causes Black Mold In Air Vents And Ducts
Mold in air ducts most commonly occurs when there is moisture inside the ductwork. As cool air flows through the vents on hot days, the moisture in the air can condense inside the air vent. You can see the same principle at work when you drink an icy beverage, and water beads up on the outside of the glass. When moisture is present, mold can flourish inside vents. The mildew can be introduced into the vents in several ways.
Mold spores are generally air borne, or spread through air. Spores can enter the duct work by simply blowing in from another area of the home, or from outside. The conditions need to be right for the spores to develop, however. A single mould spore can blow inside your home and begin to develop into a colony if the conditions are right. Warmer, moist environments are ideal for mildew spores to grow.
Act Now and Remove Mold from your HomeCall a Professional Mold Remediation Specialist or Get Up to 4 Quotes Now.
Black Mold On Evaporator Ac Coils
AC evaporator coils are prone to having problems. Learn if black mold is one of them and what you can do about it.
December 6, 2021by Josh M
Evaporator coils are the part of your AC unit that absorbs heat from incoming air. The refrigerant inside the coils cools down the indoor air, causing condensation on the outside. This condensation falls into a drain pan that leads it away from the AC.
But, all of the moisture doesnt always drain away, making parts of the AC vulnerable to mold growth. The evaporator coil is one of them. Below, discover how mold grows on the evaporator coils and how to get rid of it.
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Your Guide To Hvac Mold & Mold In Air Ducts
By Jennifer First published: . This post may contain affiliate links.
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Bathroom mold, basement mold, shower mold, and even attic mold are usually what comes to mind when you ask someone to think about areas of their home that are prone to mold. But did you know that almost every HVAC system develops mold at some point? Even more frightening is the fact that the fastest way to spread mold through a building is through a forced-air HVAC system.
Every time your HVAC system turns on,thousands of microscopic mold spores travel through the air ducts of your homeand circulate through the air, eventually finding a cozy spot to land andpotentially flourish. The occupants and visitors of the home are also breathingin all these flying mold spores which can cause a host of health issues.
What should you do? How do you deal with HVAC mold and mold in air ducts?
Never fear! I am here with
Mold In Your Air Conditioner: How To Clean And Prevent Mold Growth In Your Central And Window Ac Units
Mold is a naturally-occurring organism, and it certainly serves a purpose however, it can also pose serious risks. The spores that mold produces can negatively impact your homes air quality and can lead to health complications, particularly for those who suffer from allergies and who have been diagnosed with preexisting respiratory health conditions, such as asthma or COPD. Mold can grow in any part of your home, with common locations being the basement, attic, or bathrooms, but it can also grow in other locations that many homeowners dont suspect, like an HVAC system. Its bad enough when mold growth occurs in common locations, but its even worse when it happens in a ventilation system.
Why is mold growth in an air conditioner dangerous? How can you get rid of it? What can you do to prevent it from happening? For the answers to these questions and more, and to learn how you can protect your health and the health of your loved ones, keep on reading.
Also Check: Removing Mildew From Bathroom Ceiling
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.
The Effects Of Indoor Mold
Mold can impact the health of anyone in your home in a variety of ways. Certain groups are more susceptible to these spores, however. The elderly and children are more prone to experience issues from indoor mold. It can also seriously impact people with asthma or conditions that affect their respiratory system. Some people in general are also more sensitive to mold than others.
One person may not experience any effects, while others could regularly experience headaches, itchy skin, or a stopped up nose. Coughing and wheezing arent uncommon, along with other upper respiratory tract issues brought on by mold exposure. There have been hundreds of studies on the health effects of indoor mold, and the overwhelming verdict is that you do not want it in your home.
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Keep An Eye On The Area
Finally, mold removal doesnt help at all if you do it once and forget about it. Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours, so youll have to keep an eye on the problem areas. If mold and mildew keep coming back, you may have a moisture problem. Consider insulating your ductwork, purchasing a dehumidifier, or contacting an HVAC professional to get your HVAC systems mold problem under control.
Ks Services Knows How To Prevent Mold In Hvac Systems
Dont let mold in your HVAC system or its components affect your familys health and comfort! KS Services offers many solutions to help homeowners manage indoor humidity and moisture levels to prevent mold growth in HVAC systems. Contact us today and work with our NATE-certified HVAC technicians to find the right solution for your home.
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What Causes Mold To Grow In My Hvac System
Mold grows in dark and moist areas which is why youll often see first signs in places like your bathroom, especially if you do not have very good ventilation.
Other common areas for mold include attics, basements, and in cabinets with sinks.
Of course, one of the most common places where mold grows is in your HVAC system.
This is because there is a high level of moisture and condensation. These two factors come into play most commonly during the summer months of the year.
Learn more about mold remediation from our blog.
When you use the air conditioning during the summer months, water vapor can make its way inside the air ducts. If the area where you live is very humid, the water will stay stuck in your system instead of evaporating like it normally would.
As external particles continue to travel through your air ducts, dust gathers, thus becoming a feeding ground for mold. Mold feeds off organic materials, allowing it multiply at an exponential rate.
Epa Recommendations And Warnings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a professional HVAC cleaning professional if you suspect you may have a mold problem inside your HVAC system. The mold removal process is intensive and specific procedures need to be followed to ensure that safe, effective mold removal is accomplished. Also professional remediation companies have equipment, cameras, and training that the average homeowner doesnt have.
A professional company will prevent the mold from returning in the future, while at the same time protecting you and your family from the many health issues that mold can cause. If you suspect a mold problem in your HVAC system, you really should consult with a NADCA certified HVAC mold remediation company. They can advise you of the options available to you to solve your mold problem. Even if you choose to do the work yourself, everyone can benefit from some free, expert advice. For a list of qualified HVAC professionals in your area that will provide you with a free, in-home inspection and remediation quote, follow the link.
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How To Remove Mold In Hvac Air Ducts And Ceiling
Mold is the unwanted stranger in your home that sits anywhere it wants. When it chooses to take residence in your HVAC air duct, you know that your health is at risk.
Yes, indoor mold located in your HVAC systems ductwork, coils, and drip pans can be very dangerous to your health. Some of these molds produce mycotoxins known as toxic molds that can cause brain issues and even lead to death.
Theres no arguing about it, you need to get rid of molds that have found their way to your HVAC air duct or ceiling.
This article will guide you on how to remove mold from your HVAC air duct and ceiling before it gets too dangerous for your health but you must first know how to detect mold in these paces.
Is Mold In Air Conditioner Dangerous
If small amounts of mold spores form on your air conditioner styrofoam, the chances are that you will not be bothered by mildew.
Mold and mildew in small quantities are often not very dangerous for the average person in the short run but in the long run, it may trigger some health issues.
Black mold in window AC is the kind of mold growth that you need to be aware of.
When this kind of mold begins growing on your air conditioning system, it can become a problem for those with allergies, asthma, or certain breathing problems.
Plus, mold growth in your air conditioner can lead to throat irritation, stuffy nose, coughing, as well as skin and eye irritation.
Since your air conditioning system circulates air throughout the house, it will also spread the mold. This is why you need to make sure you maintain the central air styrofoam clean and well-ventilated.
With that in mind, people are not the only ones that are affected by mold spores.
Pets may also be affected by black mold, which is why you may want to address this problem as soon as it appears. Mold can form quickly, but it takes a lot of time to get rid of it.
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Can Mold In The Ac System Make You Sick
Mold growth can be a scary problem for homeowners. It can wreak havoc on the house and also on your health. This is especially true for anyone who is sensitive to molds or has mold allergies. If the fungi is allowed to grow throughout the HVAC system, the ducts then carry spores into every vent in the house. With spores blown around, you and your family are constantly inhaling them.
This exposure can cause inflammation through your airways and lungs. Breathing it in can exacerbate respiratory problems, shortness of breath, skin irritation, allergies, and asthma symptoms. Common problems range from coughing and sneezing to bronchitis and allergic reactions. Some people notice rashes, itchiness, hives, a runny nose, watery eyes, headaches. Less common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Some reactions can even be life-threatening.
Learn more about the health risks and conditions linked to the effect of black mold. And find out more on the topic of toxic mold with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Why Is Mold Growing On My Window Sill
Leaking windows and condensation are the two leading causes for the buildup of mold on a windowsill. The bedroom and bathroom are two very common places for mold growth indoors. These areas buildup more dust than any other room in the house, so it is important to regularly dust, wipe down and vacuum these areas.
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Tips To Controlling Dust
Tip 1
Controlling dust at your air handler is fairly simple. First and foremost, it is so important to have the right sized filter that is of good quality.
We wrote an article about home maintenance where we talk about the filter size and quality. But in this article, just make sure it is the right size and the filter if a HEPA filter.
Tip 2 Clean, clean, clean.
Once you have the right, quality filter installed you should clean your air handler with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. The vinegar will kill bacteria and microbial growth. I do not recommend using bleach as the bleach is just too harmful to humans. Vinegar will do the trick.
Use a rag to wipe all portions of the air handler from the outside and the inside if you can. You can clean the inside by exposing the return plenum, this is typically the stand or underneath the air handler.
Furthermore, you can clean the unit by using a vacuum to suck in dust from the plenum and around the air handler.
