Some people may be unaware that mold is lurking in air conditioning system. Mold that is left to grow will eventually release spores, which can easily travel around your home, where your family will inhale them. This can cause respiratory infections, allergy symptoms, skin irritation, and other health problems. People who are allergic to mold and immuno-compromised can experience even more severe reactions.
The Dangers of Mold?
Mold in your air conditioning system can allow spores to spread throughout your home more easily. As the cold air travels through the ducts, spores can attach to the ductwork, growing more mold. Over time, mold spores concentrate and replicate, which can cause spores to spread to every room in your home. You and your family could be inhaling mold spores during the day and while sleeping without even realizing it.
How Does Mold Grow in Your Air Conditioning System?
Mold spores are everywhere and can easily travel into your home when you open the door or a window for some fresh air. With the right conditions, your air conditioning system is the perfect breeding ground for mold to reproduce and cause potential harm to your family.
To grow, mold needs a food source and moisture. Living in Maryland, there is no shortage of humid, wet air. But even if humidity isn’t an issue, leaks and condensation in the air conditioning system can create the right environment for mold to grow.
The materials used to build HVAC ducts and air conditioning systems are not the right materials to allow mold to grow. However, your ducts could be harboring the perfect food source. Dust and other organic materials can accumulate in your ductwork, giving mold the food it needs to grow.
How You Can Get Rid the Mold
If you suspect mold in your air conditioning system, you should turn off the system to prevent the spread. Having the ductwork cleaned thoroughly is the only way to get rid of mold and spores living in your air conditioning system. While you might do this yourself, it‘s best to hire a professional like Allied Restoration in Gambrills, Maryland, to clean the ducts by EPA standards.
You should also have your HVAC unit checked thoroughly to make sure there are no leaks. The condenser and evaporator coils produce condensation, and improper drainage can cause water to build up.
If you have a window AC unit and notice mold spots forming, it’s probably too late to save, and you should replace it. Even if you disassemble the unit and clean each part, you probably won’t be able to get all the mold, and it will eventually grow back.
How You Can Prevent Mold in Your Air Conditioning System
Mold needs moisture to thrive, and air conditioning systems create moisture. Here are some ways to prevent mold in your air conditioning system:
Ensure your AC unit is draining correctly into a drain tile or utility sink and isn’t clogged.
Allow air to flow freely around vents, and air returns so the ducts can self-regulate and dry out any moisture.
Check and replace your air filters regularly. The material collected by the air filters is a great food source for mold and can prevent air from flowing freely.
Do not clean ducts with water. Use dry wiping and vacuuming only.
Mold in your air conditioning system can cause serious illness. Today, call the professionals at Allied Restoration in Gambrills, Maryland, to schedule a free estimate to check your AC unit for mold. We offer expert duct cleaning and mold restoration using approved EPA methods.
Allied Restoration is an IICRC (Institute Of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Certified Firm. Our Senior Project Manager, Wilma Fogler, was the first person in the State of Maryland to achieve the IICRC Master Water Restorer Certification. Allied is Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. 