Air conditioning units are vulnerable to mold growth, which can lead to respiratory conditions and even allergies. As a homeowner, it is important that you understand how this mold appears, know the signs of mold in your air conditioner and can deal with it right away. Here's a look at what you should know to protect your family from unnecessary mold exposure.
What Causes Mold in the Air Conditioner?
The inside of your air conditioner is a perfect environment to foster mold. After all, it has a constant buildup of condensation inside the system, and that condensation doesn't always dissipate immediately when the unit turns off. The more moisture that persists in the air conditioner, the greater the risk of mold growth. Additionally, the dust that naturally occurs in the air can accumulate in the air conditioner. This provides mold spores with the food source they need to thrive.
How Do You Spot Mold in the Air Conditioner?
The earliest indication that your air conditioner is having problems with mold is a mildew-like musty smell. If you're smelling it, it's probably there somewhere. Look at the air ducts, the drip pans, the intake vents and even the cooling coils for signs of mold growth. If you can't see the mold in the air conditioner, you'll need to call an HVAC technician. He or she can help you narrow down the source.
What Do You Do About Mold in the Air Conditioner?
If you've identified the presence of mold in the air conditioner, it's time to have the system professionally cleaned. You could try to do it on your own, but with so many little crevices, cracks and spaces, it really requires a professional touch to ensure that it's done right. If you don't get all of it, the residual spores will simply reproduce and you'll be struggling with it all over again.
For mold on the outside of the air conditioner, you can do the work yourself. Create a cleaning solution with about a cup of water, a tablespoon or two of liquid dish soap and about a half-cup or so of baking soda. Mix it well, then spray it on the air conditioner where the mold is appearing. With a rag or brush, scrub the mold away. Then, wash the surface one more time with the cleaner to ensure that there are no residual spores.
With the tips presented here, you can understand what causes mold to grow in your air conditioner as well as spot the signs of trouble and deal with them. Talk to your local air conditioning technician or call A Bailey Plumbing if you have other concerns about mold in your air conditioning unit.
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