A mold is a fungus that grows on various surfaces and feeds on dead and decaying plant matter. They are the living creatures that belong to the kingdom of Fungi. Without molds, we will not be able to make cheese, wine, or yogurt, and we will not be able to grow mushrooms or some of our favorite foods.
Molds are not always a bad thing. They help break down dead plants and animals in nature, making nutrients available to the rest of the living world. However, some molds can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
These can cause allergic reactions and other health problems when they grow inside your air conditioning unit. Mold spores are even worse, as these can cause allergic reactions or asthma.
Today, let’s explore essential things you need to know about mold in your AC—one place you don’t want mold growing. Here’s what you need to know:
How Does Mold Grow in an AC?
Since the AC is usually located in a closed space with low humidity, it is a perfect place for mold growth. It is also easier for mold to grow here because the AC is usually wet due to condensation, and the environment where the AC is located—be it a basement or garage—is generally moist.
In addition, the AC itself produces moisture, and this can also promote mold growth. The AC produces moisture through condensation, so if the water drainage system of your unit is clogged, mold can grow more easily.
Common Causes of Mold in an AC
Moisture
Mold thrives in moist environments, so if you have a condensation problem, there are good chances that you have mold growing in your AC. Most often, mold grows in the drain pan but can also grow where it is dark and damp.
If your AC has a dirty drain pan, mold might grow there. In addition, mold loves to grow in places where water has accumulated in your AC. Because mold thrives on dead and decaying matter, it will often grow in the lining of your AC, where it is moist and dark.
Just like with the drain pan, mold can grow in the condensate drain line, making it clogged. In the AC, mold can grow in dark and moist places, like the evaporator coil or evaporator case.
Organic Food Source
Mold needs organic matter to flourish. The organic matter may be dead insects, plants, animals, fungal spores, or water-soaked items like cardboard.
Mold needs organic matter to flourish. The organic matter may be dead insects, plants, animals, fungal spores, or water-soaked items like cardboard. All these can be found in your AC.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may have noticed that after cleaning your AC, you can feel a difference immediately. This is because mold spores are immediately released into the air when you clean your AC.
Is It Dangerous to Have Mold in an AC?
Yes, and here’s why. If you think having mold in your bathroom or kitchen is dangerous, having mold in your AC is even worse. The AC is a major part of your HVAC system, and its continuous operation means that it is constantly producing moisture. And this poses a severe health risk. This is especially true if the mold is toxic, which is usually the case with black mold. Toxic mold is rare, but it can cause serious health problems.
How to Get Rid of Mold in the Unit?
Before you start cleaning your AC, you need to know what kind of mold you have. Is it toxic mold? Is it a non-toxic mold? Toxic mold needs to be removed with caution. If you’re not trained to do this, you should contact the professionals to do the job for you. However, non-toxic mold can be removed by cleaning the unit with bleach.
However, if the mold is inside the unit, it can circulate through the ductwork and spread to other parts of the house. If this is the case for you, installing a dehumidifier near the unit is best. In some cases, it is possible to remove the mold from the AC unit. But, a small amount of mold is still present after you remove the mold, so it is best to have the unit replaced.
How to Prevent Mold in Your AC
Clean Your AC Regularly
An important way to prevent mold is to clean your AC regularly. If you can do it more often, even better. But, do not forget to clean the condenser coil, which is often ignored when you clean the AC. The best time to clean the condenser is when it’s not running.
However, you don’t need to clean the AC unit every day, but you should try to clean it once a month. It’s best to do this during the summer when the AC is in use. If you can’t do this during summer, do it during the spring and fall.
Maintain the Drain Pans
The drain pans collect the water condensed in your AC, where you will find most of the mold growth. The drain pan is at the bottom of the unit and can easily get clogged. If the unit is not maintained correctly, mold will grow up the drain line and will cause damage to other parts of the unit.
Regularly clean the pan and the condensate drain line. Remove the drain pan, wash it with soap, and rinse. Use a garden hose to remove any clog in the drain line. Use soapy water to wash the drain line. You can use bleach if there’s a heavy mold and mildew accumulation. Don’t forget to clean the filter in the condenser.
Apply an HVAC Mold Inhibitor
Apply a mold inhibitor to slow down mold growth in your AC. It is a known fact that mold grows faster in moist environments. If you use a product that contains mold inhibitors, it will not only slow down mold growth but can also kill the mold spores that were released due to the cleaning process.
Mold inhibitors are easy to use. You must spray the product on the areas you want to treat. You can spray the mold inhibitor on the evaporator coil, in the drain pan, and in other parts of the AC.
The Bottom Line
Mold growth in your AC can be a serious problem. It can cause allergic reactions and even affect your health. That is why having the AC unit inspected for mold is essential. But you must also regularly clean it. Make sure you clean your unit regularly. This way, you can be more vigilant and prevent mold from growing in the first place.
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