Most people expect to find mold in old carpets and basements and nearby leaky roofs. But could mold be hiding in your HVAC systems? About 70% of homes have mold in them and roughly 28% of people are genetically predisposed to mold health problems.
Air conditioning mold can often be detected by musty smells in rooms with no visual mold present. If you can get to your ductwork, you may be able to spot the mold yourself or you can have a home air conditioning repair worker or mold specialist check for you.
Either way, here is everything you need to know about hazardous mold coming from your AC unit.
How Air Conditioning Mold is Bad for Your Health
Mold growing in your heating and air conditioning units can spread through your house every time you turn it on. Mold and other indoor air pollutants that hide in air conditioners can cause allergic reactions and even respiratory disorders.
Certain strains of mold can actually release mycotoxins that can lead to bleeding in the lungs and pneumonia. Any mold in your home is dangerous, but mold spores in the air are dangerously easy to inhale, especially for young children and elderly people.
Alarmingly, there are about 104 deaths per day, or 38,000 a year, due to mold health-related problems. You can see just how serious of a problem model can be if it's inside your home.
Mold can cause quite a few health issues such as:
- Asthma and respiratory issues
- Allergic reactions and skin rashes
- Cognitive impairment and brain fog
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent mold from entering your AC unit in the first place. Check for moldy insulation around your vents, repair leaky HVAC systems, and regularly maintain your air conditioner to keep mold out of the air.
If you have mold in your AC unit or any mold-related health concerns, it is important to consult a medical professional as soon as possible. With proper care and attention, though, you can stay safe from mold in your home air conditioning system.
How to Get Rid of Air Conditioner Mold
You may be able to clean up mold yourself, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn't recommend it, especially since you could expose yourself and your family to dangerous toxic spores.
Calling a home air conditioning repair business or a mold removal specialist is usually the best way to deal with the problem. Both will have better tools to access your systems and can often repair the issue that led to mold growth in the first place.
An HVAC system can last from 12-15 years with proper maintenance. Cutting down on mold will not only save you from possible mold-related health issues but can also help you get the most out of your system.
How You Can Prevent Mold From Growing
Keeping your air conditioning ducts clean of substances like dirt, debris, and especially organic matter is one of the best ways you can prevent mold growth.
You should also make sure to check on the condensation levels in your HVAC device. A little moisture is fine, but standing water creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. You may have to call home air conditioning repair services to find out where the excess water is coming from.
You should also change your HVAC filter once every three months, at a minimum. This will cut down on spores as well as other allergens like dust and dirt that may be invading your air.
To recap, here is everything you should be doing to help prevent mold from growing in your air conditioning unit:
- Clean out dirt, debris, and organic matter
- Check condensation levels and leaks
- Change your HVAC filter
These are all things that should be performed regularly. Which is why many HVAC specialists recommend having monthly maintenance services. With HVAC maintenance services, you won't have to worry about mold from your air conditioner. They'll ensure everything is working as should be and use preventative measures every month!
Mold From Your AC Unit
Mold can be a serious issue in any home, but it can be especially dangerous if it's hiding in your air conditioning unit. It can spread quickly throughout your home once it setups up shop in your AC unit.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to remove and prevent mold from growing in the first place. Regularly cleaning out your ducts, checking condensation levels, and changing your HVAC filter are all great ways to keep mold at bay. It's best to have an HVAC or mold specialist come out and do this for you!
With proper care and attention, you can stay safe from moldy air conditioners! If you have questions about mold from your AC unit or if you need an HVAC specialist, make sure to give us a call today!