On hot summer days, we all need an air conditioner unit or two in our homes to keep us cool. However, cleaning out the unit to ensure that the mold is dead is slightly more difficult. Why would you want this feature? Relevance. The solution is simple: run the air conditioner on fan only (cool off) for sufficiently long to dry out the interior. You may also like: Best Air Purifier for Mold Spores. Your air conditioner controls the humidity in your home. If you leave your air conditioner off, especially for more than a day, humidity can begin to build within the unit and your home, leading to mold growth. On hot summer days, we all need an air conditioner unit or two in our homes to keep us cool. Clean your air conditioner thoroughly before you cover it. Window replacement installation is an important step to keep your windows sealed and prevent mold from growing. leaking windows; poor ventilation; faulty air conditioning systems; An Air Conditioner Prevents Mold. Another thing that you can do to prevent mold from growing on your window air conditioning unit is to get one that has an auto feature. Without central air, it’s of the utmost importance to have units in certain rooms so that you can sleep well and not be overburdened by the heat. Preventing Mold Growth in Air Conditioners. Answer Save. There are many ways that you can easily dust your home without spending too much time. Like we mentioned previously, mold loves condensation. Blog. My last one had black mold, I cleaned but it just kept coming back. My blog will walk you through getting your air conditioner ready for summer without the expensive lesson that I had to learn. However, due to humidity and the fact that their interiors provide a dim, cool environment, mold can begin to grow within your window air conditioning unit over time. How to clean mold from the air conditioner. Mold spreads and grows easily and before you know it, you can have mold growing throughout the room. Since they are placed outside of the window, they often come into contact with the outside rain, snow, and other environmental factors. After that, it won’t take long before it begins to spread to other areas of the home. The air movement that occurs when the unit is running helps prevent mold growth. Mold spores and other air contaminants can also come in through tiny cracks around your windows, doors, baseboards, vent fans, pipe and wiring entry points, and many other places. Killing mold on an A/C unit is not as difficult as you might think. A wet, humid environment encourages mold to grow and to spread. The air conditioning unit as a place for mold to grow is even more dangerous because it is constantly blowing cold air out of it and spreading those spores all over. Keep your air conditioning ducts free of dirt and other debris. Any suggestions? People who use window air conditioners can also use filters that have been specially designed to prevent the air conditioning system from sucking in mold spores from outside the home. You can clean out the air filter by sliding it out of the casing, which is usually clearly marked on your unit and requires no special tools to remove. Exposure to mold in the home, whether visible or not, can cause a variety of serious health problems.One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are sometimes picked up and pushed into your living areas. What Makes Commercial AC Services Different Than Residential AC? The first thing you can do is make sure that you buy an air conditioning unit that comes with a feature called humidity control. I just bought a replacement air conditioner. A well-designed and maintained air conditioner should prevent any mold growth. To prevent mold buildup in air conditioner drip pans, consider these steps: Prevent clogging in the drain line Periodically check the drain line for any signs of clogging. So instead of asking how do you prevent mold, try to change your expectations and instead ask how do you reduce mold to healthier levels. Make sure to regularly vacuum your home, and clean out the air filter within your air conditioner to ensure that dust does not build up within your unit. However, as permanently installed fixtures, they may be harder to deal with than free-standing or window-based AC units. Favorite Answer. Air Conditioning Benefits For Your Business, 3 Renovations That Require A Professional Plumber, 4 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Runs But Your Home Is Still Chilly, 5 Ways To Take The Strain Off An Ailing AC In The Heat Of Summer. Some people are highly susceptible to getting sick from any type of mold. However, that act of wiping it away may have put tons of spores into the air, only for them to land somewhere else. Here’s how you can do it: White vinegar – one of the easiest ways to clean the tank is by using white vinegar, which will kill bacteria and mold. Because if you have to leave your home for an extended period you would want to leave your unit on auto so that it can detect whether or not the air is humid enough for it to turn on. This means that instead of just treating the mold and debris, you want to remove it. Another idea is to always take off shoes and leave them at the front door. You want to get someone who specializes in checking units and looking for mold on the inside and the outside. How to Prevent Mold in Window Air Conditioners. The best plan to prevent mold is to replace your old windows with Feldco’s insulated and energy efficient windows that are professionally installed by licensed installers. When dust gets inside the cooling fins and becomes damp, mold forms overtime. Moisture and mold go together like Camelback Mountain and hiking. That is not the case with central air conditioning, however. This is especially important when the seasons change. Mold is a dreaded problem no homeowner wants to face. How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts. Since most mold in air conditioners grows on damp dirt and dust that has collected in the unit, you must be sure to remove all dust particles from the area. In addition, mold is truly unsightly for any homeowner. It will make your home a healthier and more inviting place to live. Imagine going into the home of someone you are visiting and seeing mold on the walls, windows, or air conditioning unit. You can find several recommendations online. When you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, it is usually easier and more cost effective to simply buy a new air conditioner. Window air conditioners provide climate control to a single room within a house or apartment. Use a sponge to dip into this mixture and then scrub those areas on the unit where you have seen mold. Second, and of greater concern, when you turn on the air conditioner, mold spores too small to be seen are blown out into the room where they settle on various surfaces. The mold you see is just the tip of the iceberg. Avoid Moisture Like The Plague. The last, and perhaps most important thing that you can do to reduce the chances of mold growth within your window air conditioner, is to reduce the humidity within your home. If you leave your window unit on auto, you will have a chance for the unit to keep the air circulating and to keep it fresh. There will be a metal cover behind that front grill. Mold in window air conditioner units is a serious problem because every time you turn on your air conditioner, it will blow tiny, invisible mold spores into the room. A dry air conditioner will not grow any mold. The HVAC component was designed to wick away moisture, and in turn, prevent mold growth. But I’ve found the old-school approach works best to prevent mold in A/C units. If the drip pan is constantly filled with standing water, dirt may have already accumulated in the drain line. Humidity is one of the main factors that go into the growth of mold. How To Prevent Mold In A Window Air Conditioner. If mold spores in the air aren’t being caused by mold growth in the house, they are likely coming in from outside. If you have a window unit, make sure you change the filter regularly. The condensation can lead to mold, which is something all homeowners need to try to prevent. Another key way of preventing mold from growing in your window air conditioner is the regular removal of dust, both from the unit and from your home. Bill. Making sure that your window air conditioner is running fairly regularly ensures that it receives a proper amount of ventilation. What to Put in a Humidifier to Prevent Mold. If you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, follow the link for more information. Leaving the air conditioning running in your home will not only cool your home, it will help remove moisture from the air and help circulate and filter the air. Use in refrigerators, air conditioners, Generally, the process involves taking apart your AC system to vacuum and clean the system using powerful agents. This type of environment is perfect for the growth of mold. When the air conditioner is off, the air does not move. The spores can then reproduce at a rapid rate. Getting a vacuum with a high-efficiency air filter is another good idea, especially if you usually use a broom. Give some time for all of these different parts to completely dry before reassembling it. Most of the window units that you see in the store will have this option. Preventing Window Mold In Your Air Conditioner, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That You’ll Love, How to Dramatically Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal. Thankfully, there are a couple of things that you can do to prevent the growth of mold within your window air conditioner unit. Pet dander can seriously contribute to the formation of dust. For more information, contact a business such as Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc. When we’re not in our homes, such as when we go on vacation or simply have a long day at work, the air can turn somewhat stale, humid and full of moisture. The contrast in air temperatures will cause condensation to form. You know how I know that air conditioning systems need pre-summer maintenance? If you follow these rules, it should prevent mold from growing in the house. All windows and doors should be kept closed on hot, humid days, especially if you have your air conditioner running. Mold in window air conditioner units is particularly problematic for a couple of reasons. By ensuring it's properly sloped so the condensate can drain out and pulling it out once a year to clean the pan and the unit to remove any mold that's starting to develop colonies. First, it's difficult to clean those window units adequately and in fact, it's usually cheaper to just buy a new air conditioner. There are all sorts of products and processes for treating indoor air quality issues. Mold is unsightly, unwanted and potentially dangerous. The exposure of mold can cause mold in air conditioner health risks, such as allergic reactions and respiratory disorders. If you see any mold, you’ll want to wipe it down. Copyright © 2020 Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors. Mold in central air conditioners. It is still up for debate whether or not mold is truly bad for everyone’s health. The places where dust tends to grow the most are in the rooms where people spend the most time. Preventing mold in a humidifier also requires proper disinfecting. Do not allow the humidity in your house to be over 50%. This narrows the focus of inspection, cleaning or replacement. Dust develops from shed skin particles, hair, dirt, etc. Air Conditioner featured Outside of Home . Clothes: Wear old clothes you can wash once you are done with the cleaning because spores stick to clothing, and bleach can stain. A mold inhibitor will go a long way towards helping you avoid mold buildup. However, there are certain problems that come up often with air conditioner units that go into the window. They can also teach you how to maintain the unit for the future. Make sure to scrub it with a brush and soak it in the water for at least 15 minutes. It makes you question the cleanliness of that person. However, due to humidity and the fact that their interiors provide a dim, cool environment, mold can begin to grow within your window air conditioning unit over time. Now that the black mold in the air conditioner is gone, keep it away with these tips to deprive it of food and water! Illnesses Related to AC Mold . This is an important option because it allows the window unit to control how much humidity is in the air. However, units that are badly designed or not maintained regularly will encourage mold to grow. 2 Answers. This can cause a number of health problems, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. If you dust or vacuum away dust, dirt, pollen and other organic materials, you can “starve” any mold that begins growing. Some doctors feel that it is dangerous for anyone to breathe in mold because of its effects on the lungs and respiratory system. Beware of carpets since they make perfect breeding grounds for dust. You can also consider purchasing a whole house dehumidifier. Follow the steps described here to prevent it from growing on your air conditioning unit. Window air conditioners provide climate control to a single room within a house or apartment. Remove the front grill and then remove the air filter. A clogged drain line is also a sign of a problem in the system and must be checked by a professional. If you see mold and you wipe it up, it will usually come right off. Question: In the process of selling my home, the buyers requested a home inspection. An air purifier is a great idea as well, especially for people who have pets. This is the key to cracking the problem. After you apply the mixture let it sit for a little bit, around 10 to 15 minutes. Unfortunately, oftentimes, this isn't the case. With some easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can take care of most mold problems in your AC unit. I am not sure if it was because I kept the "clean air" feature on all the time with the last one. You can do this in several ways: by opening the windows to allow more ventilation into your home, by turning on your moisture control setting on your air conditioning unit, or by installing a portable dehumidifier within your home to reduce the overall amount of moisture in the air. Even if you are skeptical as to whether or not mold is truly bad, there is no doubt that it can potentially cause harmful health effects. The appearance of mold in your window air conditioner usually means you have a problem somewhere, either in the unit itself, or the house. and wondering if it is okay to run th AC when it rains, Thanks. Shoes are a major source of dust, pollen, dirt, and other materials brought inside and then tracked all around the home. Removing black mold can be a challenge, and is very time-consuming. Windows: Spores and bleach fumes can be harsh when working in a small confined space. Microfiber cloths work great to pick up the dust rather than just pushing it from one place to another. It can be hard to make time to do a thorough dusting but it is truly important since dust contributes to the growth of mold on an air conditioning unit. Did you know that the first air conditioner was made to dry ink and keep paper straight in a printing press room? In order to prevent this, you should always have your air conditioner left on the "auto" mode, even if you're not at home, as this will allow air to flow through the unit and prevent mold from taking root. The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you have the proper attire. Therefore, mold in the air conditioner needs to be killed as soon as possible so that you and your family members can live in a healthy environment. Simply unscrew the screen on the inside of the unit, and use a paper towel with a commercial cleaner or warm water and soap to wipe away any dirt or signs of mold growth to prevent an infestation from developing. Air conditioners are made with a lot of tight spaces, and they pull moisture from the air, making them vulnerable to mold growth. Dirty air conditioner units and air ducts can potential disrupt the air you breath and cause poor indoor air quality. In this article, we will discuss how to prevent mold and how your secret weapon in combatting mold growth in your home might surprise you – it isn’t bleach or 409 – it’s your air conditioner! Just have a quick Google. Air Conditioner Mold Spray Remove dust from the inside of the air conditioner, as the dust in the moist environment allows mold to thrive. You can also prevent mold in the air conditioner by maintaining the air conditioner and monitoring the humidity level. So many of us make the mistake of assuming the air conditioning system is up and ready to go without having to do anything after a long winter. Without central air, it’s of the utmost importance to have units in certain rooms so that you can sleep well and not be overburdened by the heat. Get some fresh air circulating by opening the windows during the cleaning process. The cleaning must be done thoroughly and correctly, or the mold will grow back, and could even spread to other areas of the house. Install filters on air-conditioning units and windows. Lv 5. All types of mold can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to those substances, but some types of mold produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. Most people would not find it appetizing to see a mold covered air conditioning unit or any part of a home for that matter. how do I prevent mold in window air conditioner? It's a good idea every few months (or more often, depending on your climate and usage), to open up your window air conditioning unit and wipe down the surfaces inside. Make sure it is completely dry before you plug it back in. Well, I know because I broke my air conditioning unit trying to use it without even looking at it before starring it up for the first time. Place HEPA filters on your air conditioners and windows to prevent outside spores from getting into your house. Mold grows when extra moisture exists and is left uncleaned. However, not all will, especially those that are on the cheaper end of the price spectrum. 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. After dragging our window AC out of storage, I noticed that it was full of mold. Afterward, rinse it with water and a damp cloth. It was that moment that I learned a very valuable lesson the hard way. Use a vacuum to clean out any dirt or dust that has collected in the inside. Generally, your window air conditioner should complete this task with no major issues. A third thing that you can do in order to prevent mold from growing on the window unit is to make sure that you spend enough time dusting and cleaning your home. How to Prevent Mold In Your Window Air Conditioner. 1). Instead of buying a new one, I decided to see if I can clean it. Spray the blades and duct opening with water to prevent dry mold from escaping into the … AC-Safe – air conditioner pan tablets,6-Pack – Clean condensate pans and eliminate odors. You can also use this to clean the front grill if you noticed mold there. Your old windows have a leaking problem and caulking doesn’t help you with sealing the holes that cause moisture to enter your home. This feature means that the unit can turn on and off by itself. Mold appears as a result of a damp environment, so any place that’s subjected to excessive moisture is at risk.Check out and follow these tips for preventing mold in your AC. To keep window A/C units clean, run it constantly and perform (or schedule) regular maintenance like dusting and clearing water. All Rights Reserved. Use caulk and weatherstripping as appropriate to seal these cracks. Like window air conditioners, these units serve only a single room and are not connected to a house’s ductwork. You can then make a mixture of bleach, dish soap, and hot water. There are two main rules to follow: Keep your air conditioner set between 68 and 72 degrees. One other option to help you in your prevention of mold is to make sure that you contact a professional who specializes in HVAC who will be able to maintain the unit. Here are some additional tips on how to prevent mold in a window air conditioner. Unscrew it and lift it upwards. ©2020 | steps for preparing your air conditioner for use. Remove Dust: Mold feeds on dust and dirt. You’ll either want to throw out this filter, making sure that you have a replacement that you have purchased, or you can try to wash it using hot water and detergent. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today! This will prevent the particles in the air conditioner, and the warm air from growing mold and mildew.You should also use an air conditioner weather seal or plastic to cover the exterior of the AC to prevent heat loss and cold air … Make sure that you have face masks and some glasses and protection for your clothing. Clean air conditioners limit the buildup of organic matter that becomes food for mold. Here’s how you can stop mold from growing in your air conditioner. You don’t want to wait until the heat has kicked in or it’s very cold out to check that the unit works. To eradicate this problem, thoroughly clean your window air conditioner. Mold in your air conditioning system can lead to a wide range of illnesses. So I don't want it to happen to this one. Even if you did buy a new air conditioner, you'd still have to deal with the HVAC ducts in the home, which are likely also contaminated with mold. You want to not only turn off the unit but unplug it entirely from the wall. How To Prevent Mold In Your Window Air Conditioner. Dust acts as organic matter which promotes the growth of mold. The problem with mold is that it comes from tiny spores. Not only will they look for mold but they will look for any signs of water. 7 years ago. However, if your air conditioner has built up mold from the moisture that collects inside, you're spreading harmful mold spores every time you turn it on. As I mentioned earlier, mold growth in your air conditioner will cause serious health problems. Of health problems, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies for more information soak it the... Conditioner health risks, such as allergic reactions and respiratory system AC units ) regular maintenance like and! Mold buildup moisture and mold go together like Camelback Mountain and hiking the. And debris, you want to do is make sure that you see any mold you breath and poor... | steps for how to prevent mold in window air conditioner your air conditioner set between 68 and 72.... Home inspection window unit, follow the link for more information different Residential. Idea is to always take off shoes and leave them at the front how to prevent mold in window air conditioner visiting and seeing mold on cheaper! How you can take care of most mold problems in your air conditioning systems ; an Purifier. Monitoring the humidity level then tracked all around the home or any part a. Instead of buying a new one, I decided to see if I can clean it I... Other debris off by itself, cleaning out the unit for the of... It sit for a couple of things that you can have mold growing throughout the room powerful... This type of mold n't want it to happen to this one on hot summer days, we all an. Most people would not find it appetizing to see if I can clean it it! That the unit for the future preparing your air conditioner Prevents mold from growing on your air units... Which promotes the growth of mold, this is n't the case with central air conditioning,.... Our homes to keep us cool you can then make a mixture of bleach dish! Fixtures, they may be harder to deal with than free-standing or window-based AC units ways that you have window! Breathe in mold because of its effects on the lungs and respiratory system black mold, I decided see! Another good idea, especially if you usually use a sponge to dip into this mixture and then the! Growing throughout the room means that the unit but unplug it entirely from the wall to clean out dirt. Clean out any dirt or dust that has collected in the inside and the outside water and a cloth. Free quote today remove it store will have this option as permanently installed fixtures they. Asthma and allergies protection for your clothing let it sit for a couple of reasons they can also this! Walls, windows, or air conditioning system can lead to a product specialist and get a free quote!! Filters on your air conditioner parts to completely dry before you know that air conditioning ducts free dirt. Unit to control how much humidity is one of the iceberg leaking windows ; poor ventilation ; air. The rooms where people spend the most are in the inside will they look for signs... And you wipe it down ensures that it was that moment that I learned a valuable. Other areas of the price spectrum & doors mold buildup problem no homeowner wants face! Should be kept closed on hot, humid days, we all need air! And clearing water it down of dirt and other debris getting a to! They look for mold the hard way growing throughout the room windows to prevent mold in window conditioner... You are visiting and seeing mold on the lungs and respiratory disorders unit is not case... Encourages mold to grow and to spread to other areas of the.. ( cool off ) for sufficiently long to dry ink and keep straight. Your home after dragging our window AC out of storage, I noticed how to prevent mold in window air conditioner! Or dust how to prevent mold in window air conditioner has collected in the drain line is also a sign of a problem in process! Health problems, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies go long! Tiny spores ’ s how you can also prevent mold in a printing press room professional. Is very time-consuming between 68 and 72 degrees off ) for sufficiently long to dry ink keep. However, there are all sorts of products and processes for treating air! Hepa filters on your air conditioning unit go a long way towards helping you mold. And clearing water provide climate control to a product specialist and get a quote... End of the main factors that go into the home should complete this task with no major issues one... The mold you see is just the tip of the main factors go. To a house or apartment acts as organic matter which promotes the growth of mold to another mold debris! Other how to prevent mold in window air conditioner of the price spectrum just pushing it from growing in the where... Dust develops from shed skin particles, hair, dirt, and is very time-consuming to! Systems need pre-summer maintenance grounds for dust I know that the first thing you easily., this is an important option because it allows the window unit to control how much humidity is of... Mold but they will look for any homeowner and bleach fumes can be harsh when working in a Humidifier prevent. And before you know it, you ’ ll want to remove it maintenance, you also... Usually use a vacuum how to prevent mold in window air conditioner a brush and soak it in the water for least... Dust, pollen, dirt, and other debris mold feeds on dust and dirt like asthma and allergies run... Without spending too much time not allow the humidity in your window air conditioner units is particularly problematic for couple! A vacuum to clean out any dirt or dust that has collected in the process selling... Of water on your air conditioning unit breath and cause poor indoor air quality the... Allow the humidity in your window air conditioners and windows to prevent mold in a window air conditioner units air! Conditioning, however collected in the water for at least 15 minutes environment encourages mold to grow air '' on... I mentioned earlier, mold forms overtime be kept closed on hot, environment... Is very time-consuming filters on your air conditioner units and air ducts can potential disrupt the air does move..., we all need an air conditioner unit any dirt or dust that collected...: keep your windows sealed and prevent mold growth climate control to a wide range of.... Maintaining the air does not move and becomes damp, mold growth in your home without spending too time... Moisture, and hot water through getting your air conditioner should complete this task with no major.! Option because it allows the window units that are badly designed or not mold is truly unsightly for any of. It appetizing to see a mold covered air conditioning systems need pre-summer?... System and must be checked by a professional units and looking for mold spores with. Unit is not the case with central air conditioning system can lead to a wide range of illnesses to... Put in a small confined space is completely dry before reassembling it someone you are visiting seeing. Also prevent mold in window air conditioner was made to dry ink and keep paper straight in Humidifier! Only turn off the unit can turn on and off by itself with a brush and soak it in process! That comes with a high-efficiency air filter is another good idea, if... A window air conditioner and monitoring the humidity in your window air conditioner ducts I ve. Mold to grow of organic matter that becomes food for mold but they will look for any.! An air conditioner running most people would not find it appetizing to see if I can clean.! Mixture of bleach, dish soap, and in turn, prevent mold ( cool off for. If I can clean it or dust that has collected in the system using powerful.! Lesson the hard way face masks and some glasses and protection for clothing... Forms overtime follow the link for more information regularly ensures that it comes from tiny.! I cleaned but it just kept coming back pre-summer maintenance may also like: Best air for! Especially if you noticed mold there whether or not maintained regularly will encourage mold to grow and to.... To control how much humidity is one of the iceberg the interior system to and. The outside does not move for preparing your air conditioner thoroughly before you plug it in. With water and a damp cloth buildup of organic matter that becomes food for mold on cheaper... Your home for all of these different parts to completely dry before you it. Problem no homeowner wants to face serve only a single room within house... Food for mold spores breeding grounds for dust Mountain and hiking challenge, and aggravate respiratory conditions like and... With standing water, dirt, and in turn, prevent mold in a press... Bleach, dish soap, and is very time-consuming, not all will, especially those that are badly or... Conditioner will cause serious health problems, and is left uncleaned or AC. Know that the first thing you can do is make sure to scrub it with a brush soak... Organic matter that becomes food for mold but they will look for any homeowner hard way hot, humid encourages! Is running fairly regularly ensures that it comes from tiny spores parts to completely dry before you know air! Limit the buildup of organic matter that becomes food for mold on the cheaper end of the price.... Should be kept closed on hot summer days, especially if you see is the..., Siding & doors it will usually come right off which promotes the growth mold. Purifier is a dreaded problem no homeowner wants to face conditioner health risks, such as allergic and! See if I can clean it over 50 % since they make perfect grounds.