Managing mold in your HVAC unit

If you start smelling a strange, musty smell in your home you may find you have mold in in your HVAC unit. Mold growth is a common problem for homeowners, especially in humid regions of the country like Florida. A 2004 study showed that 20% of buildings in the US, Canada, and Europe had signs of dampness. You HVAC system can spread mold spores throughout your home, causing a mold problem in other areas and making you sick.

Mold will grow where there is moisture, this can include ductwork, insulation, drywall, and carpet, among other places.

Mold can enter your home and HVAC system a myriad of ways. You can carry it in on your clothes, it can be pulled in with your air conditioner, or simply float in through an open doorway. It is impossible to avoid mold completely, but when mold growth becomes a problem it can be expensive to fix.

One place mold can become a problem is in an old or poorly functioning HVAC system. Leaks in ductwork, pipes, or old filters can create places for mold to build up. It is best to perform periodic maintenance on your HVAC system to prevent mold growth ahead of time.

The most usual way mold growth is detected is through smell. If your air conditioner starts putting off an odor, it is likely there is mold buildup.

You may also find upon inspection that there is visible mold. It will appear as either black, white, orange, green, or brown stains. It may also appear furry or speckled.

Different colored molds may seem confusing at first, but they are all harmful and should be taken seriously. The CDC recommends that no matter the color of mold growth in your home, you should remove it.

How do mold spores effect health?

Mold growth can have serious effects on your health. If you are experiencing a persistent cough or allergy flare ups, this could be caused by mold. Exposure to certain molds can cause eye and skin irritation.

The CDC says that exposure to mold is linked to upper respiratory issues including wheezing, labored breathing, and coughing. It can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like asthma and has even been linked to the development of asthma in children.

There is often talk of “black mold” being worse for you than other kinds of mold spores. That is not necessarily true. All colors of mold are dangerous and can cause numerous health issues.

Insulate air ducts

Insulating air ducts is another way to stop mold growth. Condensation has a tendency to develop on uninsulated ducts and can build up, creating a moist area for mold to grow. If you find leaks in your air ducts, be sure to fix them immediately.

Lower the humidity

Keep your indoor humidity as low as you can to prevent mold from growing, ideally between 30 and 50%. If you see moisture collecting on windows, your indoor humidity needs to be lowered.

Removing mold from your air conditioner

If you find mold in your ac unit it is possible to do some of the clean up on your own. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends you should only clean mold yourself if the area is less than ten square feet.

Wear the correct gear

It is important to wear proper safety gear when cleaning mold. In order to prevent inhaling mold spores, wear an N-95 dust mask. Wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting mold on your hands or in your eyes.

Cleaning mold buildup

You can scrub mold off of hard surfaces and HVAC component with a brush or sponge with commercially available detergent, but soft, porous surfaces must be thrown away. You can also use a household bleach solution if you don’t have detergent available. Consult your air conditioners owner’s manual for directions on how to disassemble your unit. Never paint or caulk over mold.

When to call a professional

If the area you need to clean is larger than ten square feet, has heavy mold growth, or the mold damage is caused by sewage, it is a good idea to call a professional for clean up. You may also want to enlist a professional if you are sensitive or have allergic reactions to mold spores.

Managing mold in your HVAC systems

Don’t let mold in your HVAC system overwhelm you. While it is a big, ugly problem, there are things you can do now to prevent the worst from ever happening. With proper maintenance you can avoid the excess moisture that leads to moldy areas.

If you find you need assistance preventing mold, you can always consult an HVAC technician for a consultation, like the ones at bhild.com. Call us today, or fill out our form here for a free estimate on HVAC services!