Dry floors that are damp from spills or showering and avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods of time. air duct checkup, repair and cleaning to us. Molds thrive when the humidity levels exceed 70 percent. Apply the cleaning solution that you have elected to … Generally, the process involves taking apart your AC system to vacuum and clean the system using powerful agents. These can be symptoms as simple as itchy eyes to more serious consequences, including long-term lung damage. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or … An experienced AC technician will have the tools and killing agents necessary to clean your air vents and prevent your ducts from being a breeding ground for this dangerous fungus. If you want to save on cooling costs when you’re gone, set the thermostat on your air conditioner to a higher-than-normal temperature. Step 5: Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. And the truth is, if you have mold in your air conditioner, there is probably also mold in the HVAC ducts, since it's all connected. If there is mold on the air conditioner coils, mold spores can easily spread through the ducts in your ventilation system. Remember to clean the collection bucket and condensation coils regularly. Common symptoms and health problems caused by black mold may include: If you suspect that you or someone in your household has been exposed to black mold, it’s crucial to take swift action to protect your health and remove contamination. Black mold can grow around your gutters due to roof leakage caused by clogged or broken parts. You can purchase one of these online for around $10. A professional will also be able to locate and fix the source of the problem, preventing the problem from happening in the future, saving you money and helping to keep your household healthy. Mold spores can cause a variety of health complications. Contact a certified mold inspector to confirm the substance is black mold. Generally, air conditioners are not designed to make you sick but if you do not have it cleaned regularly it will collect dust and dirt and all kinds of organic matter such as dead skin cells, DNA and pollen, all of which can make your air conditioner a perfect medium for mould to … On your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and drain pan RELATED: 14 Surprising Places Where Mold Hides in the Home. Your eyes are itchy and watery. It will appear around the home as a slimy, dark greenish-black or gray substance. Mold is a type of fungus. Consult a professional to have the mold removed in a safe, effective way and make sure to also consult an AC pro to prevent a future infestation. Because of this, the most common places you find black mold include walls, carpeting, insulation, furniture and ceilings. 2. Here are 3 of the most common places we find mold in an AC and heating system and what you can do to prevent mold growth there. Irritation to mucus membranes of the throat and nose. Keep your humidity levels below 50 percent. Like all living organisms, fungi require three things to grow: oxygen, water and organic matter. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant, musty smell. Black mold in your air vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems. Spray the coils with a garden hose to remove the coil cleaner solution. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Before you start, assemble your tools and materials and then don a dust mask, goggles, and gloves. Many other molds are green or grey, but black mold tends to be a dark greenish black or gray color. You can typically identify black mold by its color. This is because mold spores could remain within the inner workings of the unit that you were unable to reach. While odds are the mold in your AC unit is not the scary black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) that you’ve heard about, inhaling mold spores of any type can result in respiratory disorders. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. AC units vary in the way they are assembled, so check your owner’s manual to determine how to identify and disassemble the exterior cabinet so that you can access the interior. Here are a few definitive signs of mold growth within home HVAC systems: A strong mildew-like or musty smell throughout the house or at least in a few adjacent rooms. If the mold is accessible, you may well be able to remove it; but if it’s growing in an area that’s difficult to access, you’ll probably have to replace the unit. Many homeowners purchase air conditioners without realising that these costly appliances can make them sick. Step 3 – Apply the Cleaning Solution and Scrub. If you notice black dust around your air vents, this could be a sign of black mold growing within. The spores of black mold can cause a variety of undesirable symptoms and health problems when inhaled or ingested by humans. You might be dealing with black mold. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Screwdriver – Wet/dry vacuum with a nozzle attachment – Commercial AC coil cleaner –  Garden hose – Dish soap – Bleach – Large plastic bucket – Scrubbing sponge. So, inevitably, the airborne spores and moisture combine. Similarly, if your air ducts aren’t inspected and repaired routinely, leaks and other problems can allow black mold to thrive. With years of experience and licensed professionals, ABC Home & Commercial Services can provide proactive care for your air ducts and prevent black mold from ever rearing its ugly head in your home. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, 14 Surprising Places Where Mold Hides in the Home, The Dark, Dirty Truth About Household Mold (And How to Rid Yourself of It), 11 Indoor Gardening Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do, Prevent Runaway Mold in Your Vacation Home with Innovative HVAC, 15 Little Signs Your House Has a Big Problem, 9 Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Appliances, 5 Overlooked Ways to Cool Down a Hot Room. The outside of ducts more often than inside. Unplug the unit, remove the … © Copyright 2020 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. You’re sneezing and coughing. Along with more obvious things like cigarette smoke, dust mites and pet allergens, one of the greatest factors to influence indoor air quality is mould. If your home is consistently humid, mold growth may be a problem in more than just your air ducts. Since the process can be complex, sensitive, time-consuming and toxic, it’s highly advisable to seek professional help if you have a problem with black mold. You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to prevent mold infestations before they occur. Use a dehumidifier in any area of your home that smells musty or damp. Apart from being unsightly, mould releases microscopic spores into the air we breathe, which can wreak havoc on … One of the first signs that black mold is growing in your air vents is a distinct musty, mildew-like smell in specific rooms or even throughout your entire home. Mold in your AC and heating system, which can spread that mold EVERYWHERE else in your home. Step 2: Rinse the vent with a hose Step 3: Apply a spray disinfectant to the vent and let it soak for 10 minutes Step 4: Rinse the vent. Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The symptoms may vary from person to person, and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled. If you had simply left the air conditioning running, it would have cooled the home and removed moisture from the air and circulated and filtered the air. If you suspect that mold is in your AC unit, the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends turning it off so no more mold spores can circulate and contaminate your home. For example, if you usually set the temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home, set it 10 degrees warmer to 85 degrees Fahrenheit before you leave. Soak the filter soak in a sink with hot soapy water to which you’ve added approximately 1/2 cup of bleach. Depending on the type of filter you have and the size of your family, you should change your air filters every 30 to 60 days. Eliminate sources of dampness in basements, such as pipe leaks or groundwater seepage. Alternately, you could call a mold remediation specialist to inspect the unit to see if it can be professionally cleaned, but the consultation could cost as much as purchasing a new air conditioner. Spray the filter that’s been soaking in the sink with the hose to remove all debris. Remove the grille and the filter from the front of the unit. Mold is common in environments that have Dirt, Dampness, and Darkness. Even if you are skeptical as to whether or not mold is truly bad, there is no doubt that it can potentially cause harmful health effects. I know it’s unhealthy to breathe air that contains mold spores but I’d rather not buy a new AC if I can remedy the problem myself. AC units are heavy, so recruit someone to help you take it to your yard or driveway and place it on a concrete surface or on a large piece of plywood. How To Spot Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents Black Dust Around Air Vents. Another way to know if there is mold in your air conditioner is if there is a musty smell when you turn on your ac. Mold spores naturally traveling in the air attach to damp areas then begin to grow. If upon your initial inspection, you discover rampant mold and mildew in the air conditioner, do not attempt to clean it. Successfully banishing mold from an AC depends on where it’s located. The truth is, this type of toxic mold is uncommon in air ducts that are regularly cleaned and maintained by professionals. If you smell that, there is mold somewhere in your home. Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. If you suspect you may have black mold hiding in your air vents, you’ll need to take action to determine what your problem is and take steps to make sure your family is not at risk. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. Contact ABC to have a service specialist come out and make sure your AC unit is healthy enough to keep you cool. Q: There’s been a mysterious, slightly moldy smell in my home all summer, and this morning, when our window air conditioner kicked on, I noticed that the odor unmistakably came from the unit. Discovering mold in the home sends many homeowners into a panic. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward … The bleach will kill residual mold spores. Vacuum out dust and debris from the inside of the air conditioner. Spray it lightly with the mold-killing spray before you start working to prevent … Never Stop the Air Conditioner. Wondering when and how to change your central air conditioner filter? Otherwise, the black mold will continue to reappear even after you remove it. This comprehensive guide will help you understand symptoms, solutions and other important information about this health-threatening problem. Step 2: Examine the insulation around your air ducts. This includes droplets from a leaky pipe, spills on your carpet and seepage in basements and crawl spaces. However, you shouldn’t let worry about black mold growth keep you up at night. What if this starts happening inside your own home? It’s likely that mold developed in the unit over the winter and you didn’t notice it until you turned on your AC unit this summer. Musty Odors. Read on for the sleuthing tips and cleaning steps you need to bring clean, safe, cool air into your home again. Take off the front body grille of your unit. Proper ventilation can help prevent the air from retaining moisture and encouraging the mold to grow. With years of experience and licensed professionals. 3. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. You can typically identify black mold by its color. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. If mold is build up in the ducts or mold on Styrofoam insulation, spray Tilex on the moldy spots. Mold in the air outside can be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets. Remove the unit from the window, using a screwdriver to remove the frame that secures it. Also, mold in air conditioning units can be removed by using a commercial grade cleaner made to get rid of mold growth.The way that you remove the mold depends largely on the type of air conditioning … Cleaning different types of mold from a window AC unit is fairly simple, but for a central air conditioner, removal is a more complex job. If air vents haven’t been professionally cleaned in a while, there will be plenty of dust for black mold to feed on. You should clean and repair your gutters routinely, and look out for wet spots after rainfall that could be a sign of a problem. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Sprinkle a thin layer of powdered laundry detergent on the filter and cover it with hot water. Is there any way to remove mold from an air conditioner? According to the CDC, “molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. Unplug the unit, remove the front grille cover (most snap off but some are held in place by screws), and then pull out the filter beneath the grill. Lower levels of humidity can cause excessive dryness and other health concerns, while higher levels promote mold growth and can make your home hot and uncomfortable. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow practically anywhere, including in your vehicle’s air conditioning unit. This is the best way to remove mold from air conditioner ducts – the passageways that cycle air from indoors throughout the device and back into your room – and those on the outside that take away heat. Uncontrolled mold can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and skin reactions. An AC professional will also be able to spot and fix any problems before they lead to mold growth in the first place. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Let it … Remove the top and the back of the cabinet, following the directions in your owner’s manual. That way, the AC will not run as often, but it will still cycle on occasionally when the temp in the house rises. Black mold grows off of moisture, releasing spores as it consumes organic substances. Visible heavy mold indicates that more mold is flourishing in places you cannot see or easily reach, such as within the fan motor casing. With black mold growing in your air ducts, you may notice symptoms like itchy eyes and sneezing growing worse when you’re indoors, particularly when you’re running the AC. Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. It will appear around the home as a slimy, dark greenish-black or gray substance. Inspect the unit to determine the extent of the problem. If you address seemingly small problems such as these early, you may be able to prevent them from growing into more costly, more serious concerns like black mold infestation. If you suspect you may have black mold hiding in your air vents, you’ll need to take action to determine what your problem is and take steps to make sure your family is not at risk. Once you’ve had mold in the air conditioner unit, there’s an increased risk that it will develop again despite your cleaning efforts. A: Mold does have a tendency to grow inside air conditioners that sit unused for a while. With some easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can take care of most mold problems in your AC unit. Step 4: Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. Bottom line: It’s unhealthy to breathe air contaminated with mold spores, so if you can’t effectively clean the unit, it should be replaced. Your air conditioner is full of moisture and airborne mould spores. Grab a flashlight and inspect the inside of the unit for the signs of mold growth, which may appear as streaks or clusters of brown, black, or greenish stains, some of which may appear fuzzy. Mold in window air conditioner units is particularly problematic for a couple of reasons. Get free, no-commitment estimates from mold removal experts near you. That is largely unavoidable too, as the operation of your air conditioner involves the circulation of air from outside your home. Many other molds are green or grey, but black mold tends to be a dark greenish black or gray color. Proper ventilation is especially important in high-moisture areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry rooms. Cleaning mold from air conditioning vents can be done in a few easy steps: Step 1: Unscrew the vent from the ceiling or wall and take it outside. Most air conditioner units feature an “auto” mode, which is the best … When the furnace or air conditioning kicks on, the mold-laden air ducts can distribute mold spores throughout the home. Mold produces chemicals called microbial volatile organic compounds that give off a characteristic musty odor. It also involves the condensation and evaporation of moisture. Mold in air conditioning units is mostly the result of not cleaning the system or having regular maintenance done on it. You might expect these symptoms when you walk outside or play with your dogs, especially during the times of year that seasonal allergies are a problem. A humid climate along with poor ventilation, or anything that traps moisture in your walls and causes condensation, can lead to mold in air ducts. It will also explain how, preventative maintenance from an AC professional. Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. Keep an eye out for leaks, cracks, damage and other potential mold-causing issues. can prevent black mold from ever coming into your duct system to begin with. Do you want to make sure your AC unit doesn't go out in the dog-days of summer? The dangers of mold in your air conditioner If mold is growing in your house, it can release spores that can be easily inhaled. Use an air conditioner, and consider installing central air conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment. Mold grows in ductwork when two things are present: moisture and warm temperatures. Regularly changing your filters is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent dust and dirt from clogging your air vents. You can improve circulation in your home by cracking open windows, opening doors between closets and placing furniture away from your walls. It will also explain how preventative maintenance from an AC professional can prevent black mold from ever coming into your duct system to begin with. Exposure to mold may experience an inflammatory response to the mold, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. A warm, humid environment has the ideal conditions for mold to form. It often travels … If you’re noticing nose stuffiness, wheezing or throat irritation whenever you’re indoors at your house, the problem could be hiding in your air vents. The air movement that occurs when the unit is running helps prevent mold growth. Since air conditioners circulate air and the cooling coils tend to create condensation, the first two criteria for mold growth are bound to be present in an air conditioner. I often find mold on the exterior of air conditioning systems more often than the interior. Ideally, you want the humidity level in your home to stay between 30 and 60 percent. The air conditioning unit as a place for mold to grow is even more dangerous because it is constantly blowing cold air out of it and spreading those spores all over. If your air-conditioning system contains mold, act as soon as possible to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes. In these cases, good cold air is not necessarily good healthy air. You can simply remove the filter cover, take out the dirty filter, get the new filter out of its packaging and place it inside. In the home, you can expect to find it growing on materials such as damp drywall, insulation and carpets. There are a few tactics you can use to stopping black mold from growing in your air ducts and home. If you find just a few traces of mold on the hard surfaces inside the unit, proceed with cleaning. At least twice a year, you should have a professional technician perform maintenance and cleaning on your air ducts. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant, musty smell. The types of substances this type of mold feeds off of include things such as wood and cotton. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money in the removal process. When debris is allowed to build up in your air vents, this promotes the accumulation of spores. This is a common practice when people go on vacation, but when the weather is warm and humid, mold is more likely to get a foothold in the AC unit. Mold typically does not grow on metal, glass and plastic. What’s an even better solution to stopping black mold? Step 1: Contact a certified mold inspector to confirm the substance is black mold. The presence of dust in the unit helps mold spores adhere and grow, so make it a practice to remove the grille and filter every few weeks and vacuum the interior of the unit to keep dust from settling. Black mold is a serious problem that should be treated immediately and professionally. 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