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.
Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms
Studies have also shown that mold exposure can lead to upper respiratory tract problems. Things like coughing, wheezing, and even hypersensitivity pneumonitis in vulnerable people.
If you have asthma, mold can make it worse and even trigger asthma.
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Musty Odor When Hvac Is Running
If you are running your HVAC and smell a musty odor, the potential for mold in the vents is high. Mold has an odor that is considered to be earthy or musty. The odor wont be good on the nose, but its one of the more recognizable signs that mold growth is present and can be detected easily.
If the mold is growing in the ducts, the smell might even spread throughout rooms that are near the source of the growth. Any strange smells similar to that of mold in your rooms means you should check nearby vents immediately, as it could be a telltale sign you have mold in the air ducts.
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Case Study: Watch The Mold Disappear From A 50
Heating and Cooling Systems can blow airborne pollutants without any of us seeing whats in the air were breathing. Its especially harmful when moisture is added to the air that allows mold, with spores always around us, to grow in places we cant see. If you are looking for information on how to get rid of mold spores in the air, keep reading.
Figure 1, Mold results after three days of exposure to the ships existing air
The maritime industry presents an ideal environment for mold growth. High humidity levels combined with warm temperatures and a perfect scenario for mold, bacteria, and fungus to propagate. Mold growth is common on all ships, ranging from small boats to the largest cruise ships. Passenger ships, like stores and casinos, often employ scenting systems that mask the odor of mold and mildew by adding more chemicals to the air. A yachts HVAC system and ducts are cleaned at least annually or frequently during shipyard periods to eliminate mold, adding cost to ship maintenance.
ProblemA 50-meter yacht was infected with multiple mold species , and the crew was kept away for more than a month, staying in hotels to ensure they didnt breathe in the harmful pathogens. At the same time, the captain slept on the sun deck to avoid entering the interior.
*Conditions for both test periods were identical with no human interference.
Clean The Air Vent Covers
Sometimes the air vent covers can get covered in mold and they should be cleaned. HVAC air vents are also pretty cheap. I think it is a good idea to consider buying new vent covers if your vents are very old, rusted, and moldy.
How to clean air vent covers?
You may be able to just clean it in place with a cloth and disinfectant spray. If you need to remove the vent to properly clean it, they are pretty easy to remove. Its usually just two screws that hold it in place. After removing the vent, thoroughly wash it with a brush and dish detergent. After cleaning the air vent, let it dry. I also recommend coating the air vent with a sealing spray paint such as Kilz which will help prevent new mold growth.
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Mold The Stubborn Intruder: What Is The Cause
In most cases, homeowners can most efficiently remove the mold form visible areas. However, molds spread through spores, and the presence of a small colony can lead to a re-infestation in no-time. Mold problems in HVAC systems and subsequent air ducts occur due to humidity and water accumulation in the system. Unless you find out precisely what is responsible for the growth in the first place, you might find yourself fighting a losing battle.
The DIY solutions are only suitable for minor mold problems. These are more effective for isolated cases that do not involve the entire ductwork. For example, if your master bathroom or your storage room smells musty, you can try to scrub the particular duct or vent that aerates these rooms. It is very common for some places to gather mold in the ductwork more than the others. Bathrooms are often more prone to mold infestations since there are higher humidity levels, and water almost never dries up completely. There is a high chance of recurring mold growth in the bathroom, and research shows that over 70% of toilets and showers in the urban areas have sneaky mold problems.
Hvac Systems And Mold: Air Handler And Ductwork Cleaning And Maintenance
The HVAC system is the most important investment made in any new or existing home. Because of the expense, many homes have improperly fitted HVAC systems. This error can be the cause of mold growth or it may spread mold throughout the home. HVAC systems and ductwork design should be meticulously selected for each home. It requires careful calculations to determine the right size of the unit and ductwork designed for a particular floorplan, ceiling height, window number, sun exposure, etc. Too large of a unit can cause condensation due to improper cycling. Too small of a unit can lead to energy inefficiency and temperature discomfort. In some cases, homeowners are given the options to add on whole house dehumidification, high efficiency filtration, etc. Read on to learn more about HVAC Systems and Mold.
HVAC technicians that were interviewed estimate that a majority of homes have improperly sized HVAC systems. This is frequently due to developers purchasing HVAC units in bulk for neighborhoods with homes that face different directions, have differing floorplans, and varied window exposure. Often, the only criteria used in determining if an HVAC system was properly installed is whether or not it is able to maintain the desired temperature. Very little attention is given to whether all duct joints were properly sealed, whether the unit cycles as designed, proper filtration, or long-term maintenance protocols.
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Signs Of Mold Inyour Hvac Or Ductwork
- Strong smell or musty odor which is more pronounced with your air conditioner is running
- Visible mold around air ducts or intake vents
- Noticeable leaks or puddles around HVAC system
- Blocked drip pan
Because the signs of mold are not always easy to spot, it is important to know when you need to bring in a certified mold inspector to conduct additional mold testing. Basically, if you think there might be a mold issue but you cannot confirm it with a visual, call the pros.
How To Prevent Mold In Air Conditioner
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent mold from developing in your air conditioner:
- Reduce moisture. The easiest way to avoid moisture build-up in an AC unit is back when you purchase it. Look for an AC unit with humidity control. Many modern units vent water vapour with air. If you have a unit that is designed to collect water in a reservoir, empty it regularly.
- Avoid organic debris. In addition to water and air, mold needs organic matter to breed. Clean or replace your air conditioners filter regularly, and vacuum the interior to clear out any dust and debris. Dont give mold any food to live on!
- Keep unit running while on vacation. Mold tends to build up when the air conditioner is not running and the air is still. Keep your unit running, even when on vacation. To reduce energy consumption, you can set the target temperature higher so it runs less often, but dont shut it off altogether.
Unfortunately, air conditioners represent a particular problem area for mold, since they push the air and mold spores through the house and into the air you breathe. The risk of black mold in particular makes it important to be vigilant about mold in air conditioners and nip problems in the bud.
It may feel intimidating, but dont feel discouraged. Knowledge is power, and knowing to keep an eye out for mold in your air conditioner will help you keep your home healthy and happy.
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How Do The Professionals Remove Mold
Mold is a common problem in homes and businesses alike. It can be found anywhere that has moisture, which includes your air conditioning unit. Though there are many types of mold, the most dangerous type for humans is black mold. This particular fungus thrives on moist environments such as those found within an AC unit or inside walls where water damage has occurred from leaks or high humidity levels.
The musty smell caused by this type of fungi will cause headaches and sinus problems for some people with allergies, causing allergic reactions or respiratory issues it may also trigger asthmatic attacks if they have already been diagnosed with asthma. Additionally, some people could suffer from mold allergies causing immune system issues. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these tiny spores from growing into larger colonies that could pose health risks to you and others.
Professionals in mold removal and restoration are trained and skilled in mold remediation processes. This includes how to set up proper containment, methods to use antimicrobial chemicals that clean any mold and mold stains, and mold prevention. Mold professionals often use a sealer or encapsulant to make the treated areas more resistant to water damage and mold, and to help with odor control.
If you need the help of a professional, contact Jenkins Environmental Services today!
Working With An Hvac Professional
When handling a mold remediation job with an HVAC professional both parties should proceed with caution. Business and homeowners should carefully select an HVAC professional to work with. And, HVAC companies need to over-emphasize the procedures that will be done.
Most importantly, only those with the right protection gear including a well-functioning, high-quality mold respirator should be present when any remediation work is being done.
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How Does Air Conditioning Affect Your Health
People often associate cold temperatures with colds and cases of flu. But doctors have proven that the cold doesnt cause illnesses. Air conditioning can actually be beneficial for some health conditions. If the HVAC system is well maintained and the filter is changed regularly, it can relieve some lung disease, asthma, and allergy symptoms.
A poorly maintained system or a dirty filter, however, can circulate harmful bacteria and mold around your home.
Learn more about How to Cool Your Home Efficiently this summer.
Perform A Visual Inspection
If you suspect you have mold, the first step is to perform a thorough visual inspection of your home. You will recognize mold as spots that can appear in many different colors. Mold thrives on moisture, so pay particular attention to roofs, windows, pipes, basements, laundry areas, bathrooms, previously flooded spaces, and so on. Mold commonly appears on fibrous surfaces like drywall, upholstery, wallpaper, fabrics, and cardboard. If you see any signs of mold, call a professional.
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Mold Inside The Ac Or Furnace
Continuing on, youll have to look inside the AC or furnace for any mold. If the inside is damp and dark, thats ground zero for almost any type of mold growth. Also, we highly suggest checking out the evaporator coils and drain pans since you may be able to find potential mold in your AC vents in those places as well.
Besides common locations like these, its possible to find mold growth even in unexpected places. If you find any, thats when you should enlist the help of a mold remediation expert, regardless of whether the growth is severe or not.
How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner
We dont recommend that homeowners attempt to clean a central air unit or ventilation . If, on an inspection of a small self-contained unit, you have decided to tackle it yourself, heres what youll need to do:
If youre intimidated by the above work, remember: hiring a mold removal expert is always a safe and sure-fire way of getting mold eradicated.
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Can You Prevent Mold Growth In Air Conditioners
In order to prevent mold growth in any area, proper moisture control is essential. Air conditioners produce moisture, so it isnt uncommon for mold growth to occur in both HVAC and stand-alone units. So, how can you prevent mold growth from occurring in your AC? Here are some tips that you can use to control moisture content, and thus, reduce the risk of mold growth.
How To Detect Mold In Your Air Conditioner
Every homeowner should know how to spot mold in their cooling system. It may be difficult to detect that a problem is growing in your house. The more time
spent undetected the more time that the mold can spread, so be careful and check your units on a routine basis.
You can test for mold in your AC system by being aware of what to look for, and what smells occur in your home. Here are some signs that there may be some fungi lurking there:
- A noticeable musty smell near the air vents in the indoor environment.
- The distinct odor increases when the air is running.
- Patches of black fungi are visible around the vents, evaporator coils, or drip pans.
- You or your family have an irritated throat, nose, eyes, or sinus passage when the cooling is on.
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A Properly Draining A/c
Its important to make sure that your air conditioner is draining moisture to the drain and away from the unit. If there is standing water in your air handler because the drain pan or condensate piping isnt sloped correctly, then this will feed mold growth in the unit.
I cant even tell you how many times I have seen A/C drain pans that have had issues. Below is a picture of a backup drain pan in an attic that is heavily rusted because of standing water.
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.
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Where Is Household Mold Most Common
The short answer is that household mold is most common in places where moisture is common. According to the EPA, the key to mold control is moisture control. Although moisture is necessary in places like your bathroom, there should still be an effective barrier between water and materials that are hospitable to mold, such as drywall or subfloor.
