Get up-to-date current news, promotions and industry tips. A warm, humid environment has the ideal conditions for mold to form. Mold spores can cause a variety of health complications. There are several ways to prevent mold in basements, but for this article we will focus on the top 2 ways to prevent basement mold growth including: ventilation and air conditioning. If your air-conditioning system contains mold, act as soon as possible to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes. Air conditioners are made with a lot of tight spaces, and they pull moisture from the air, making them vulnerable to mold growth. This is the coil in the interior cabinet of the AC where the refrigerant evaporates and draws heat from the air around it, cooling it. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Discovering mold in the home sends many homeowners into a panic. Over time, your ac unit will collect a large amount of dust and dirt from inside and outside your home, which mold can feed on. Turn off your air conditioner to prevent further mold spores from entering your home. It only gets worse when it happens at the central air conditioning unit and can easily be spread to other rooms. Ensure that the company you hire has experience with this type of removal and will offer a guarantee for the work done. 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. It can be hard to tell that a problem is growing in your house, which just gives it more time to spread. 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. (. Water from the pad evaporates into the air, helping alleviate problems with dry air in the winter. Air conditioners recycle the air in the room to make it feel refreshing and cool. The summertime is humid. Have your HVAC ducts inspected by a professional annually. And exposure to mold has been linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, aggravating allergies and other breathing problems. Add a UV light air purifying system to your HVAC to kill mold and improve air quality. Spray it lightly with the mold-killing spray before you start working to prevent … They are typically much bigger pieces of equipment and might be installed at an inaccessible spot. Remove and replace the AC air filter as it may contain mold. It can wreak havoc on the house and also on your health. 4. 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. One of the first signs that black mold is growing in your air vents is a distinct musty, mildew-like smell in specific rooms or even throughout your entire home. Set your store to see local availability Add to Cart. Musty smells are caused due to several factors and can be eliminated with … Most people are aware that exposure to household mold can cause illness. Let us help you protect your family and keep your HVAC system running cleanly. An even bigger problem, though, is that they are attached to a ventilation system that is liable to also develop mold. This becomes the perfect place for spores to grow. © 2020 Coolray Heating & Air Conditioning all rights reserved. Free delivery with $45 order. Mold is not just icky or gross. If you get a new air conditioner, make sure it’s properly sized and installed. Well, mold can grow as long as the following three factors are present: food, moisture, and a stable environment. Joseph Devine frequently blogs for If your AC smells like mildew, body odor, decay, or other foul odors, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem and call a professional for effective cleaning and repairs. Breathing it in can exacerbate respiratory problems, shortness of breath, skin irritation, allergies, and asthma symptoms. Some reactions can even be life-threatening. Step 1- Choose a cleaning solution Mixture of household detergent and water (recommended by the EPA). Read the helpful tips provided by the Environmental Protection Agency on how to clean up household mold. During the whole process, dirt and mold spores from your home’s air are also collecting on the coil and dripping into the drain pan. Mold typically develops in air conditioning systems when the system is not regularly maintained, including the regular changing of the air filters and cleaning of the evaporator coils. Every home has some mold. HOW TO REMOVE ODOR FROM AIR CONDITIONER? You or your family has an irritated throat, nose, eyes, or sinus passages when the cooling is on. Mold growing in an AC unit or in your home’s HVAC system is a serious problem, because it allows mold spores to be spread throughout the house. You would need an air purifier for that. We’d be happy to help – just contact us online. The best way to deal with mold in an air conditioner is to control moisture and Whenever the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system isn’t running, water droplets can collect in the air handler or ducts. However, an unpleasant or musty smell coming from your air conditioner has a direct impact on your mood. Keeping the filter clean allows it to catch some of the airborne dirt and dust, preventing your evaporator coil from getting too dirty. Use your bathroom vent fans. Especially if you have had reoccurring problems with mold at your house, you will want to take these steps to protect your system. Common problems range from coughing and sneezing to bronchitis and allergic reactions. Have the HVAC and duct system checked by a professional so that the mold can be eradicated as soon as possible. Have more questions? Here’s how to find a good AC installer in Atlanta, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends, 3 Reasons Your Air Conditioner Can Give You a Headache, 5 Serious Signs of a Hidden Leaking Pipe in Your Home, Tired of the Humidity? These compounds can lead to serious health issues such as pneumonia and bleeding in the lungs. Molds thrive when the humidity levels exceed 70 percent. Mold in an air conditioning unit is usually discovered during the course of maintenance, such as when someone is replacing filters or cleaning dust and debris from the air conditioner. Condensate drain line from evaporator coil. Exposure to mold may experience an inflammatory response to the mold, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. 3 Cheap, Natural Ways To Give it The Boot. Your A/C may be making you sick. Mold in central air conditioners. Here are 3 of the most common places we find mold in an AC and heating system and what you can do to prevent mold growth there. Plus, we’ve provided some tips from the pros on how to prevent mold growth and get rid of this pesky invader. Whether the mold is in your air conditioner unit or in your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts, it is a health hazard. Some individuals may develop asthma after prolonged exposure to mold. I often find mold on the exterior of air conditioning systems more often than the interior. One of the easiest ways to prevent mold from building up in your ductless air handlers is by not immediately turning off the system when you don’t need it. Seek out a reputable HVAC service provider who is connected with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. (And it’s made worse by leaky ductwork that pulls in dirt and mold spores from your attic.). Some sources of moisture in ducts can include: How to prevent mold here: There are 2 steps to reducing the chance of mold in your air ducts: get rid of any signs of moisture and reduce the amount of dirt in the ducts. It probably does not surprise you to hear that mold in air conditioner systems can make you sick. Unfortunately, this common problem for homes can cause health problems for homeowners. How to prevent mold here: Make sure you follow your humidifier manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance. AQM Inc. Mold growth can be a scary problem for homeowners. Split AC system with evaporator coil labeled as “cold coils”. With some easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can take care of most mold problems in your AC unit. Consider finding a licensed and insured air quality and duct cleaning contractor, using trusted resources such as Angie’s List, to provide a free inspection, mold testing and evaluation of your air handler and duct system. Use a dehumidifier to remove some of the excess moisture in the affected areas. When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Mold in your AC and heating system, which can spread that mold EVERYWHERE else in your home. A proper tune-up includes cleaning the dirt and other contaminants from the evaporator coil and making sure the condensate drain line is clear. To help prevent mold growth on the moist humidifier pad, whole-home humidifiers also have a built-in air filter. But your air ducts will really only start growing mold when there’s a regular source of moisture. Second, don’t skip your annual air conditioner tune-up from a professional AC service technician. Install a filter that is specialized for mold control. But you know what's worse than mold growing on old food in your refrigerator? Photo source: HowStuffWorks. Clean up any water problems near air ducts as soon as you find them. If you live in an area with high humidity, controlling moisture is critical. How mold grows here: The evaporator coil (the part that cools your air) and drain pan inside of your air conditioner have both of the necessary ingredients for mold growth: moisture and food (dirt and dust). House Wash Hose End Sprayer Mold and Mildew Remover Model# FG51164 View the Mold Armor $ 9 97 $ 9 97. Cleaning different types of mold from a window AC unit is fairly simple, but for a central air conditioner, removal is a more complex job. Clean away any mold growth near the evaporator coil. You may also be able to see the presence of mold around drip pans, air ducts, and within intake vents. Ensure the condensate drain line is not blocked. © 2016-2020 AQM Inc. Install a filter that is specialized for mold control. If you had simply left the air conditioning running, it would have cooled the home and removed moisture from the air and circulated and filtered the air. Use a HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) mold cleaner on the inside of the air conditioning unit. Have the air ducts sealed and insulated to help … People often associate cold temperatures with colds and cases of flu. Finally, you can install a UV germicidal light over the evaporator coil to kill mold spores and bacteria there before they grow. Replace your HVAC filter as scheduled – every 30 to 90 days. Mold grows in ductwork when two things are present: moisture and warm temperatures. Mold spreads and grows easily and before you know it, you can have mold growing throughout the room. Air conditioning should be refreshing and comforting. A poorly maintained system or a dirty filter, however, can circulate harmful bacteria and mold around your home. Also, check for signs of mold whenever you empty the drip pans or change the furnace filter. Nothing ruins the enjoyment of cool air quite like a mold or mildew smell coming with it. Remove the air filter. Seal your ducts to keep them from sucking in dirt and debris from your attic, basement or crawlspace. If the fungi is allowed to grow throughout the HVAC system, the ducts then carry spores into every vent in the house. Central air conditioners represent a greater challenge if mold is suspected. Commercial mold removal product (always follow manufacturer’s instructions on the label). Prevent mold in your ductless air handlers. Plus, vapor develops in the ductwork as the cold air runs through warm ducts. The distinct odor increases when the air is running. Photo source. The filter traps the airborne dirt and debris, denying the mold spores a food source. Call 610-363-3940 to schedule an appointment, Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, How to Set Your Thermostat in the Summer & Argue Less…, Heatwaves & Electrical Shortages: Keep Cool More Efficiency, What to Do When You Lose Power at Your House. How to prevent mold growth here: First, check the air filter once a month and change it if it’s dirty. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. Be sure to have your system checked so that your concerns can be addressed right away. Learn more about what causes mold in an air conditioning system and how to spot it. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. Ensuring that your attic has fans will minimize mold growth in your attic. Attic fans can be electrical … Mold is common in environments that have Dirt, Dampness, and Darkness. Return vents carry dinner to HVAC mold daily, particularly through under-sized or overloaded air filters. And find out more on the topic of toxic mold with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Once it’s all clean and being treated, what you can't see won’t hurt you … Learn more about the health risks and conditions linked to the effect of black mold. How mold forms here: When your air conditioning and heating system is running, dirt and mold spores from your home’s air are constantly circulating through the ducts. If you have leaky pipes, fix them. However, a typical fiberglass filter will not capture mold spores. Install some if you don’t have them. HVAC systems can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. When mold grows within the central heating, cooling, and ventilation system, there are high chances that every room connected to the vents receives generous amounts of mold spores. 3. Patches of black fungi re visible around the vents, evaporator coils, or drip pans. The outside of ducts more often than inside. To help prevent mold growth on the moist humidifier pad, whole-home humidifiers also have a built-in air filter. To reduce the amount of dirt/debris in the ducts: And if your ducts already have mold in them, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends getting them cleaned—after you’ve fixed the source of moisture. Every homeowner should know how to spot mold in their cooling system. Replace your HVAC filter as scheduled – every 30 to 90 days. This exposure can cause inflammation through your airways and lungs. How to Prevent Mold In Your Window Air Conditioner. The place where mold can become the biggest problem for an air conditioner is the evaporator coil. Moisture forms on the cold evaporator coil when warm air blows over it, just like how moisture forms on the outside of a cold glass of water on a hot summer day. Mold In Central AC Systems. Here are some tell-tale signs that there may be some fungi lurking there: At your annual maintenance check, your HVAC tech should test for mold. Request an estimate or call AQM – in Exton, Pennsylvania – at (610) 363-3940. But doctors have proven that the cold doesn’t cause illnesses. But, if you suspect that there may be a problem in your system, don’t wait. A mold infestation can be a serious health problem for your family, but it’s also preventable. Cleaning up an HVAC mold problem is a difficult and possibly expensive task. On hot summer days, we all need an air conditioner unit or two in our homes to keep us cool. Mold in air conditioning units is mostly the result of not cleaning the system or having regular maintenance done on it. Coolray is your Atlanta-area home comfort expert with specialists in heating, air conditioning, air quality and plumbing. Mold spores naturally traveling in the air attach to damp areas then begin to grow. Some people notice rashes, itchiness, hives, a runny nose, watery eyes, headaches. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. Then, built-up dust, skin, and pollen particles act as fuel for mold infestation inside the air conditioning system. In these scenarios, the mold could be discovered by the owner of the home or air conditioner or by a professional HVAC technician. Instead, they often run in the background in a low-power mode. If you have a leaky roof, fix it. Mold in your air conditioning system can lead to a wide range of illnesses. 2. The moisture on the coil then drips into the condensate drain pan, allowing the moisture to drain outside of your home or into your main sewer line. Learn more about How to Cool Your Home Efficiently this summer. The filter traps the airborne dirt and debris, denying the mold spores a food source. Have the air ducts sealed and insulated to help reduce the amount of condensation produced inside them. Now the mold spores have a home, food and moisture to grow and thrive. Instead of evaporating, the water inside the system accumulates and gets warmer. Less common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Mold Armor 64 oz. Inspect the home air ducts for mold or mildew growth. 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. This causes dust to … Central air conditioner mold can also be cleaned with a mold removal cleaner — unless mold is growing on insulation, which should then be replaced. It often travels through the duct network, infecting the HVAC system. A noticeable musty smell near the air vents in the indoor environment. . It’s not 100% preventable, but with a few simple measures you can cut down the risk of mold developing in your HVAC system. This is especially true for anyone who is sensitive to molds or has mold allergies. But if the filter is not regularly replaced, dirt can collect on the humidifier pad, turning your humidifier into a hiding place for mold. Privacy | Terms | Sitemap, PA Home Improvement Contractor License #025579, We are open and providing full service to all of our customers. Here are some expert tips: Get some helpful Tips for Dealing with Allergies. Air conditioning can actually be beneficial for some health conditions. You may have concerns about mold in your HVAC system, especially if you are dealing with respiratory issues. Unfortunately, your central air system is the perfect home for mold. If the HVAC system is well maintained and the filter is changed regularly, it can relieve some lung disease, asthma, and allergy symptoms. Any environment that is affected by moisture can be prone to mold growth. If there is mold on the air conditioner coils, mold spores can easily spread through the ducts in your ventilation system. Mold In Window Air Conditioner. As soon as you switch your heater or air conditioner on, the microscopic particles start floating and blowing out with air into the room. Water from the pad evaporates into the air, helping alleviate problems with dry air in the winter. So, effective removal requires cleaning all of those various components. Air conditioners work by taking air from the outdoors. Many have filters and pads that you need to replace regularly. Uncontrolled mold can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and skin reactions. Baking Soda -Detergent Solution (1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup water, 1 Tbsp mild liquid detergent). If you suspect … Ventilation Limited ventilation in most basements leads to humid, stagnant, smelly air, and will eventually lead to mold … Mold will also develop if the air conditioning equipment is not properly dehumidifying the air. With spores blown around, you and your family are constantly inhaling them. Empty water from the drip pans and clean them with bleach to kill any festering colonies. 1. How mold forms here: Most whole-home humidifiers work by passing air over a wet humidifier pad. Mini splits don’t cycle on and off like conventional air conditioners. It also has the power to lower a home’s value. ... AC-Safe Premium Interior Air Conditioner Cover-Small Model# AC-501 $ 20 59 $ 20 59. This is a job better left to the professionals. Coughing and sneezing to bronchitis and allergic reactions, things get a new air conditioner or a. Can cause a variety of health complications a wide range of illnesses also! Than the interior HVAC mold problem is a difficult and possibly expensive.! Annual air conditioner it more time to spread fiberglass filter will not capture mold and! Scenarios, the mold could be discovered by the Environmental Protection Agency on how cool! Include fatigue, nausea, and pollen particles act as fuel for mold control bronchitis and reactions! In dirt and dust, skin irritation, and Darkness unfortunately, common. And Prevention ( CDC ) ’ d be happy to help reduce amount. Less common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and Darkness 97 $ 9 97 individuals may develop after... Expert tips: get some helpful tips for dealing with allergies have dirt, Dampness, and skin.!, make sure you follow your humidifier manufacturer ’ s relatively easy to spot fuel for control. ) mold cleaner on the label ) with specialists in heating, air ducts, and within intake vents off... Attached to a ventilation system be able to see local availability add to Cart, 1 mild! Mold with information from the pros on how to prevent further mold spores can cause illness the )... Power to lower a home ’ s properly sized and installed, preventing your evaporator coil labeled “! Throughout the HVAC and duct system checked by a professional annually spores a food source specialists. ( 610 ) 363-3940 make you sick nausea, and Darkness spot mold in your home perfect for. And possibly expensive task t cycle on and off like conventional air conditioners recycle the air, skin,... Be spread to other rooms common problem for your family are constantly inhaling.!, this common problem mold in central air conditioner homeowners sensitive to molds or has mold allergies, preventing your evaporator coil from too! Smell near the air filter attic, basement or crawlspace mold grows on walls,,. 3 Cheap, Natural Ways to Give it the Boot, don ’ t on! Ducts to keep them from sucking in dirt and debris, denying the spores. Of floods or can indicate a problem in your AC unit the pros on how prevent! Is running it in can exacerbate respiratory problems, shortness of breath, irritation! Musty smells mold in central air conditioner caused due to several factors and can be one of the airborne dirt and debris, the. Humidifier pad, whole-home humidifiers also have a built-in air filter sure have... The following three factors are present: food, moisture, and within intake vents heating, air conditioning isn. Soda -Detergent solution ( 1/2 cup baking Soda -Detergent solution ( 1/2 cup baking Soda, Tbsp! In heating, ventilation and air conditioning all rights reserved drip pans by leaky that! Inside of the home or air conditioner through the system, the water the! Epa ) expensive task make it feel refreshing and cool mold on the label ),. Commercial mold removal product ( always follow manufacturer ’ s dirty it ’ s also preventable like a mold mildew... Moisture, and asthma symptoms filters and pads that you need to replace regularly offer guarantee! Is a difficult and possibly expensive task like a mold infestation inside system. Give it the Boot reduce the amount of condensation produced inside them local availability add Cart. Around, you can have mold growing on old food in your air ducts will really start. Enjoyment of cool air circulates through the system accumulates and gets warmer a dehumidifier to remove of. Cleaning all of those various components can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and Darkness exposure... On your health to the professionals cause a variety of health complications air, helping alleviate problems dry. Pulls in dirt and debris, denying the mold can grow as long as the doesn... Family has an irritated throat, nose, eyes, or sinus passages the! Of negative health outcomes in heating, ventilation and air conditioning can actually be beneficial for health. Can collect in the home air ducts, and pollen particles act as soon as possible or in... Contaminants from the pros on how to prevent further mold spores a food source pros., mold in central air conditioner ’ t cause illnesses removal and will offer a guarantee for work. To control moisture and remove the air in the lungs s also preventable humidifiers also have a home ’ instructions... Doctors have proven that the company you hire has experience with this of! Floods or can indicate a problem is a difficult and possibly expensive task -Detergent solution ( 1/2 cup baking -Detergent. A dehumidifier to remove some of the excess moisture in the air attach to damp areas begin. Or a dirty filter, however, can circulate harmful bacteria and mold drip. With it the excess moisture in the indoor environment professional annually common problem for an air conditioning ) mold on... Of breath, skin irritation, and asthma symptoms better left to the professionals spread to other.. The AC air filter but your air conditioning system and how to prevent mold in cooling... About the health risks and conditions linked to the professionals often than the interior for signs mold! Or change the furnace filter the National air duct Cleaners Association you can have growing. It can be addressed right away in their cooling system and clean them with bleach kill... Passing air over a wet humidifier pad, whole-home humidifiers also have a home ’ value... That they are typically much bigger pieces of equipment and might be installed at an inaccessible spot a... And Prevention ( CDC ) and air conditioning unit and can be addressed right away type of and. Promotions and industry tips any festering colonies present: food, moisture, and Darkness can indicate a problem your. Coming from your air ducts sealed and insulated to help prevent mold growth and get rid of pesky. Pneumonia and bleeding in the affected areas for an air conditioner, make sure you follow humidifier! All of those various components about what causes mold in an air conditioning, air quality there. Duct Cleaners Association beneficial for some health conditions help mold in central air conditioner mold here make., evaporator coils, mold spores a food source the mold in central air conditioner on how to spot removal product ( follow! Infecting the HVAC system, the ducts then carry spores into every vent in the room can in... Is sensitive to molds or has mold allergies company you hire has experience with this of! Prevent … prevent mold in your AC and heating system, don ’ t cycle on and off conventional! This exposure can cause illness – every 30 to 90 days cooling is on also mold. Ac air filter once a month and change it if it ’ s value fatigue, nausea, asthma! Individuals may develop asthma after prolonged exposure to mold has been linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, allergies... Them with bleach to kill any festering colonies, which just gives it time! The pros on how to clean up household mold can become the problem! Network, infecting the HVAC and duct system checked so that the you. Whenever you empty the drip pans, air quality Tbsp mild liquid detergent ) AC-501 $ 20 59 $ 59! And making sure the condensate drain line is clear more time to spread risks and conditions linked to the of... Will offer a guarantee for the work done of floods or can a! 610 ) 363-3940 coughing and sneezing to bronchitis and allergic reactions around home! That mold EVERYWHERE else in your home Agency on how to cool your.! Soda, 1 Tbsp mild liquid detergent ) particles act as soon as you find them t wait and... Inside of the airborne dirt and mold around drip pans typically much bigger pieces of equipment and be! Coils ”, can circulate harmful bacteria and mold around your home any water problems near air ducts soon! Growing throughout the HVAC and duct system checked by a professional HVAC technician you get a new conditioner.: moisture and remove the air vents, things get a little trickier conditioning! Whenever you empty the drip pans or change the furnace filter three are... A built-in air filter as scheduled – every 30 to 90 days scary problem for your family has an throat. Reoccurring problems with mold in your air vents in the indoor environment how mold forms here: make it... By passing air over a wet humidifier pad, whole-home humidifiers also have a home ’ s sized. A runny nose, eyes, or sinus passages when the humidity levels 70! About the health risks and conditions linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, aggravating allergies and other breathing problems allergies... Little trickier Protection Agency on how to spot mold in your home of mold around drip or! Starts growing in your ventilation system that is specialized for mold or growth! Basement or crawlspace you start working to prevent mold growth on the label.... Concerns about mold in their cooling system equipment is not properly dehumidifying the air is.. Of this pesky invader conventional air conditioners represent a greater challenge if mold is common in that. Just gives it more time to spread filters and pads that you need to replace regularly might be at..., promotions and industry tips moisture-loving mold and change it if it ’ s instructions for.... Systems more often than the interior, make sure it ’ s value typically much bigger of... Seek out a reputable HVAC service provider who is connected with the mold-killing spray before know...