If you’re worried about the possibility of mold in your air conditioning system, here’s what to do: Understand its symptoms and causes, as well as how to get rid of it. Before you decide to clean your unit yourself, make sure to take a comparative air quality test to find the number of spores present inside and outside of the HVAC unit.
Symptoms of air conditioning mold
If you’re having recurring symptoms of asthma or other respiratory problems, air conditioning mold might be the culprit. These molds thrive in places that cool your home, including your air conditioning unit. The spores that they produce are highly allergenic, making them difficult to live with. In addition, they can cause headaches, respiratory illnesses, and sore throats.
One of the first signs of HVAC mold is a musty smell in the house. It’s difficult to notice if the odor is coming from air ducts unless you crawl inside. If you have any doubts, try sniffing around the vents while the air conditioning is running. The spores from mold can make allergy sufferers cough and sneeze. Additionally, it can make you feel dizzy and fatigued.
Sources of air conditioning mold
If you are noticing a musty odor in your home, it is likely due to mold. Often this odor gets worse when the AC system is running. The mold spores are airborne and can affect people living in the house. They can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory ailments. You may even experience shortness of breath and sore throat.
Mold that occurs in air conditioning systems has several causes. The main ones are condensation and food sources. They often grow on surfaces exposed to high levels of humidity. They can also spread throughout the home by spreading through the air ducts. Mold in the HVAC system can cause health issues and worsen allergies. As a result, mold growth is a very difficult problem to clean up. The best way to deal with the mold is to control the moisture content in the air conditioning system.
Prevention of air conditioning mold
One of the most important ways to prevent air conditioning mold growth is to keep your home’s indoor temperature at a comfortable level. Mold growth can be accelerated by high humidity. To prevent mold growth, keep the humidity level at 30 to 50%. If you have a window AC, make sure the humidity is set to 30 to 50%.
If you suspect that your air conditioning system is infested with mold, check the unit and air vents. Look for black or fuzzy spores. If you see mold spores, call an HVAC expert who is familiar with this problem.
Removal of air conditioning mold
If you’re not sure how to remove air conditioning mold, there are some easy steps you can take. Firstly, you should check the air conditioner for visible mold. If so, you can clean it with a brush and vacuum attachment. Next, you should prepare a solution of 1/2 cup bleach to three gallons of water. This solution can also be made with a mild dish soap solution. Make sure to dry the air conditioner completely before applying the solution. After applying the solution, wipe the air conditioner with a clean cloth.
You should also inspect the air vents and AC unit for signs of mold. The mold in these areas may appear fuzzy, black, or green. It’s important to get rid of these molds as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant health effects. If you see the mold on the air vents, it’s likely the Stachybotrys chartarum type of mold, which is very dangerous.
