When it’s hot outside, the AC units in Montgomery, TX work hard to help keep your home and family comfortable, unfortunately, one of the byproducts of an AC unit is moisture. Air conditioning systems also collect dust, which contains a wide variety of organic materials, such as dead skin cells and pollen; both of which are ideal food sources for bacteria. The combination of a damp environment and an excellent food source, your air conditioning system can become the perfect place for mold growth, so each time the air conditioner kicks on, it’s blowing harmful mold spores throughout the air in your home.
Signs of Mold in Your Air Conditioning System
The first and most obvious signs of mold in the AC unit are a strong mildew odor, especially when the air conditioner kicks on, and visibly seeing mold in and/or around the system and ducts. You should check for mold in the intake vents, air ducts, drip pans and the cooling coils. If you don’t see any signs of mold, but you smell a definite odor of mildew, you contact an AC service professional to inspect the system as soon as possible.
What Causes Mold in The Air Conditioning System
The two primary causes of mold growth in the air conditioning system are organic material and condensation. Condensation typically occurs when certain parts of the air conditioning system get excessively cold, especially when the surrounding air is warm and humid. For example, if the air conditioning unit is in the basement and the basement tends to be humid, air ducts will get cold while the air is on and the water vapor in the basement begins to condense in the air duct, causing small amounts of water (condensation). If the humidity in your home is low enough, it will allow the water to quickly evaporate once the AC unit turns off, but if there is high humidity, the water will persist; ultimately leading to a mold problem.
Getting Rid of Mold in the Air Conditioning System
Removing mold in the air conditioning system is extremely difficult because there are several areas that are difficult to access, including the inside of the air ducts. Although there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of mold in your air conditioner, such as routinely changing the AC filter and keeping debris and vegetation clear from the outside unit, it is important to note that the removal of mold in your air conditioning system isn’t generally a DIY project. If the mold isn’t removed correctly, there could be serious consequences, because it can easily spread throughout your entire home, putting your family’s health at risk. If you suspect mold in your air conditioning system, you should contact an AC repair and AC service company as soon as possible to have the system inspected. Scheduling routine AC maintenance is the best way to prevent the risk of mold developing or worsening. When you have routine AC maintenance, the technician will spot the growth of mold sooner as well as recommend ways that you can prevent or reduce the risk of mold in the system.
It is extremely important to keep in mind that mold in the air ducts and/or other parts of the air conditioning system should be dealt with immediately. Failing to address the problem will encourage mold spores to spread throughout the house each time the system blows air out. If you suspect a problem with mold in the air ducts or other parts of the air conditioner, you should contact an AC repair company as soon as possible.
Prevent the risk of mold growing in your air conditioning system-contact Beckham & Jones Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your AC maintenance and inspection in Montgomery.
