Mold contamination within your home can contribute to health issues including difficulty breathing and allergy symptoms. This especially applies to those who already suffer from allergies, have asthma, or suffer from other chronic lung conditions. Mold, a potentially dangerous fungus, requires moisture to grow and multiply. People often think of mold issues in moist rooms like the bathroom. However, your air conditioner’s drain pan could be prime real estate for mold growth.
Mold and the A/C
The air conditioner’s potential for growing mold has to do with the fact that all A/C units generate water during the cooling process. Air conditioners naturally produce condensation as a by-product, also causing water to build up. Well-maintained units automatically drain the water from the drain pan, reducing the likelihood of mold growth. However, standing water in your pan and drainage system could cause mold to develop.
Air conditioner filters
Knowing how to properly care for your air conditioner and when to contact a professional HVAC specialist are keys to keeping your unit mold-free. Throughout the cooling season, clean out or replace the unit’s filter monthly. Dirty filters allow dirty air to circulate throughout the house, as well as impeding system performance. Clogged filters also increase the risk of bacteria taking up residence in the ducts and air. The presence of bacteria along with the A/C’s normal moisture level could increase the risk for mold.
Check the drain pan
Regularly check your drain pan for standing water and mold growth. Properly working pans automatically drain. If you notice standing water or the presence of mold, immediately turn off your air conditioner and contact an HVAC professional. Mold in the pan could indicate mold contamination throughout the system.
Clean house
Dust and bacteria are mold’s best friends. The presence of dust in your home increases the likelihood of dust buildup inside the air conditioner. Regularly dust your furniture with microfiber dusters. Clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces with an anti-microbial agent weekly and wipe surfaces with a clean rag daily.
For more information about the potential for mold growth in your air conditioning system, contact Indianapolis area HVAC specialists Mowery, Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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