Mold can cause coughing or wheezing; nasal stuffiness; irritation to the eyes, throat, or skin; and more serious reactions in family members with mold allergies. When mold grows in your HVAC system, the system may spread mold spores throughout your home. Here’s how to deal with mold in HVAC systems.
Tools Needed
You can wipe up mold using a household cleaner and a sponge or cloth. Wear nonporous gloves as well as goggles and a face mask, particularly if you’re sensitive to mold. Ensure the area where you’re performing the cleanup is well ventilated.
Window Units
Mold spots on the grate or air direction vanes of a window air conditioner usually indicate a bigger mold problem. When you disassemble the unit, you’ll probably find mold on other parts like the internal ducts, evaporators, and coils. You can try cleaning the mold from the affected parts. However, chances are you won’t manage to clean off all the mold, so it will likely grow back. Moldy window units usually need to be replaced.
Central Air Conditioning System
Mold growing in your central AC system’s ductwork is best handled by a professional. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should shut off your system once you come across mold. That will prevent it from being spread throughout your home. The ductwork will need to be inspected, vacuumed, and cleaned thoroughly to get rid of the mold and help prevent a recurrence.
Tips for Preventing Mold in HVAC
For you to prevent mold from growing in your HVAC system, you’ll need to prevent organic material and moisture from accumulating in your system. Here are some useful tips:
- Replace your air filters regularly
- Keep all air returns and grates unobstructed and clean
- Inspect your drain pans and clean them regularly
- Schedule seasonal HVAC preventive maintenance
Cleaning up mold in HVAC systems is not an easy task. It’s best to control moisture and keep up with HVAC maintenance to prevent the problem. If you need maintenance because of mold in HVAC or repair services in the Indianapolis area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.
