How To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Air Conditioning System

Mold, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), needs oxygen, food, and moisture to flourish. Mold can thus develop on any wet surface in your home, even your air conditioner.  Air conditioner mold is particularly deadly because it spreads quickly throughout the property, creating a health risk to everyone who lives there, including pets. At least once a year, you should have your air conditioning system checked by a trained HVAC professional.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Air Conditioning System

It is critical to take action as soon as possible if you discover air conditioner mold to avoid further property damage. This is the case because mold damage can be extremely expensive to repair. Further complicating the situation is the fact that mold damage is only covered by your home insurance policy when it results from an insured event such as flooding caused by a malfunctioning appliance. Therefore, preventing mold growth in your air conditioner can save you a significant amount of money. This article has more information about mold in air conditioners.

The Dangers of Air Conditioner Mold

According to Medical News Today, mold in your home can cause a variety of health problems that are not always life-threatening. Mold produces toxins that adversely affect the respiratory system, resulting in allergic reactions, trouble breathing, as well as aspergillosis. Also, if you have mold in your air conditioner, it will quickly spread throughout your house. A mold infestation can also cause problems with the air conditioning unit, especially if the mold has spread to the electrical components.

Air Conditioner Mold Signs

Given the potential danger mold poses in your home, you should always be on the lookout for signs that your air conditioner may be infested by mold. Mold can lurk in the damp parts of the air conditioning unit, making it difficult to detect. Even worse, you may not be able to notice the mold spores with your naked eye until they sprout. The best approach to determine whether mold is present in your air conditioner, ventilation system, or other areas of your home is to hire a skilled HVAC technician.

A specialist in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning should be able to detect mold even though it may be microscopic if they have the requisite skills and experience with similar cases. Having said that, keep these signs in mind:

• Musty Smell: According to experts, a musty stench is the earliest and most visible sign of mildew or mold. Consequently, any musty stench of unknown origin could be attributable to mold in the air conditioning system.
• Visible Indicators: Even though mold is normally microscopic, particularly in the early stages, it is capable of producing spores that are visible to the naked eye as it grows. In addition, mold can assume any hue based on the levels of moisture, light, and also the source of sustenance. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including black, gray, white, green, red, orange, brown, as well as purple. The naked eye will be able to see the mold better if it is colored.
• Health Concerns: If any or all of your family members, and your pets, suddenly become ill when you switch on the air conditioner, you should question the existence of mold. Sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes are just a few of the more frequent mold-related symptoms. Other symptoms may include wheezing, a stuffy nose, skin irritation, and some other allergic reactions. It’s possible for those with asthma to have worse reactions.

How To Eliminate Mold From Your Air Conditioning Unit

A trained and experienced HVAC professional should always be entrusted with mold removal due to the inherent dangers involved. In addition, only a trained HVAC specialist possesses the required abilities and knowledge to address air conditioner problems efficiently. Contacting a certified HVAC contractor to examine, clean, and maintain your air conditioning system is therefore essential. They will be able to get rid of the mold and prevent future infestations.

Tips To Prevent Air Conditioning System Mold

It’s possible that the harm has already been done by the time you notice mold and bring in a professional HVAC specialist to remove it. To put it another way, it’s far better to avoid mold infestation in the first place than it is to deal with it after it has already spread. Having said that, frequent air conditioner maintenance performed by a qualified HVAC specialist should keep the air conditioning unit in good working order. The HVAC contractor will prevent mold growth in your air conditioner by conducting the following maintenance procedures:

• Air Conditioner Disinfection: Usually, sanitizing the cooling system, air ducts, and other components of your ventilation system is a great strategy to eliminate any lifeforms, like mold. To conduct this procedure, a skilled HVAC contractor will use a disinfectant that has been certified by the EPA.
• Regularly Cleaning And Changing Air Conditioner Filters: Cleaning your air conditioning filter every two weeks or even more frequently, depending on the level of pollution in your area, is recommended. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that an HVAC contractor replace it every 45 to 90 days as well.
• Using A Mold Inhibitor: A mold inhibitor is a substance that prevents mold and mildew from growing.
• Maintaining Dry Air Ducts: Mold and mildew thrive on surfaces that are consistently damp. Because air ducts typically store a great deal of moisture, have your HVAC contractor maintain their dryness. They may clean, repair, and replace any water-damaged components.
• UV light Installation: UV light kills practically all microorganisms, including mold and bacteria, meaning it is an excellent remedy for the air conditioner mold issue.

Conclusion

Mold in an air conditioner can harm your property and risk your health. So, you should routinely engage a qualified HVAC contractor to check and clean your air conditioner. Furthermore, a trained HVAC contractor may offer advice on how to safeguard your property against mold infestation.

Contact Miller Oil Company For Your Air Conditioning Needs

Miller Oil Company provides outstanding heating and cooling solutions in the Hartford County, Connecticut area. For HVAC repairs, installs, as well as replacements, we use only the best certified experts in the business. The expertise and experience of each one of our technicians ensures that your HVAC system is serviced correctly.

Miller Oil Company ensures the most reasonably priced cooling and heating solutions in the area. Our repair and maintenance solutions can enhance your home’s comfort, increase its energy efficiency, and decrease its cooling costs. If you are in need of HVAC system maintenance or replacement, we can propose the most cost-effective solution for your home. We guarantee our services to ensure your complete satisfaction. Call Miller Oil Company today to arrange an air conditioning tune-up or service appointment. We provide free in-home assessments.

Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.