Tag: HVAC Mold

Can Mold Grow in My HVAC Unit?

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can mold grow in my hvac unit

With the right moisture content and nutrients, mold can make its way into many parts of your home. One place mold spores can show up is your HVAC unit. Spores can make their way through your ducts and when inhaled, can cause reactions such as the worsening of asthma and flaring up of allergies. However, don’t panic because even though mold can grow in your HVAC unit, it can also be prevented. The team at RestoPros is here to tell you a little more about how you can protect your HVAC unit from mold!

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your HVAC Unit

Have Your Ducts Inspected

The ductwork in your home is particularly vulnerable to mold growth and mold spores. Often, ductwork that has not been inspected in a while can accumulate dust, debris and moisture, creating the ideal environment for mold growth

You often breathe in the air that circulates through your ductwork, so it is important it is free of allergens, pollutants and mold spores. If your allergies keep getting triggered or you feel your indoor air quality is not ideal, you might want to have your ductwork inspected by an HVAC technician. In addition, a mold remediation specialist can inspect your indoor air quality for any signs of mold.

Use a Dehumidifier

If you live in a particularly humid climate, using a dehumidifier is a great appliance to have. A dehumidifier essentially maintains the humidity in your home, reducing excess moisture and dampness. To prevent mold, the ideal amount of humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent.

Replace Air Filter Regularly

Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest ways you can ensure your HVAC unit is well-maintained and protected from pollutants and mold spores.  A clogged filter can worsen your indoor air quality as well as air flow and even cause your evaporator coil to freeze up. By regularly replacing your filter, you can ensure the efficiency of your HVAC system and prevent energy losses. According to the Department of Energy, by replacing your clogged filter with a clean one you can lower your system’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.

Professional Maintenance

By having your HVAC system professionally maintained, you can protect it from mold and ensure it is working properly. As we transition into the colder season in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, now is the perfect time to have a professional technician look at your HVAC unit.

Remove Mold from HVAC Unit with RestoPros

If you feel like you might have a mold problem in your HVAC unit, you might be inclined to handle it yourself. However, it is best to contact a professional—in fact, many states have requirements that only a licensed mold remediation professional remove any mold in your home. If you get the sense that your HVAC unit might have mold, get in touch with RestoPros. Our experts will ensure that your HVAC unit and entire home is mold-free! Call us today at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service on our website!

Get Mold out of your Air Conditioner

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Get Mold out of your Air ConditionerIf you’ve noticed increased allergies whenever you turn on your HVAC or furnace, it might be a sign that there’s a mold infestation hidden within your ventilation system.  While mold that’s hiding in walls, corners, and carpets can be hazardous to your health, exposure is, though only for the moment, limited to the room where the mold is contained.  Ventilation mold isn’t limited.  The second your fan kicks on, harmful spores are being distributed throughout the building.

In addition to being a major health concern, mold growth in your climate control system poses a risk to the HVAC and furnace units themselves.  Mold growth can lead to costly future repairs and even if it doesn’t, the longer you leave it unattended, the more expensive clean up can become.

How to Remove Mold from your AC System, Furnace, and Vents

Conduct a thorough inspection first.  Look at cooling units, the furnace surfaces, piping, and the insides of ventilation ducts to find the mold.  Any pooling water or damp surfaces should be examined and dried out.  Follow water to its source and repair any leaks or drips.  Clean out condensation lines to allow for proper drainage.

Contact a professional to have large-scale mold infestations removed from the system.  The entire unit needs to be cleaned and dried out to prevent a resurgence of mold after remediation.  If the infestation is minor, clean the surface with warm water and detergent, then dry all surfaces.  Replace the air filter to remove the last traces of spores and mold in your system.

Follow up any cleaning with the proper prevention techniques.

How to Prevent AC and Furnace Unit Mold

  • Have your system inspected and maintained regularly. Most HVAC professionals recommend getting a major maintenance done annually for each unit.  That means a maintenance in the spring and one in the fall.
  • Improve or clean out the drainage systems for your unit. All HVAC and furnace units have drip pan or condensation line to remove condensing water and drain it away from the unit.  If you notice pooling water, this line has likely become too clogged to allow for proper drainage.
  • If the mold growth was due to increased humidity in your home, invest in a dehumidifier to lower the average humidity in your home. Adding fans or space heaters to especially humid rooms will help to keep them drier as well.
  • Consult a professional to make sure your home is insulated properly. Improper insulation can lead to condensation collecting on other surfaces, which will feed mold spores and cause them to take root within ventilation ducts, crawl spaces, or sealed areas.

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