How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Air Conditioner

Mold is a problem that no one wants in their home.  These microscopic spores–even if not the infamous ‘black mold spores‘–can cause illness and trigger allergic reactions.  While you may be aware that damp areas of your home can be potential sources for mold, you may not have thought of your air conditioner or HVAC system as culprits as well.

Mold thrives in dark, damp places, with organic matter to feed on.  The air conditioner checks all of these boxes.

How to Tell if You Have Mold Growth in the A/C

Mold spores can be tiny, which means it can be hard to know if you have mold growing in your home’s air conditioning system.  Here are few signs to help clue you in.

1. Smelling that tell-tale musty mold smell throughout your home, or coming from vents

2. Feeling sick when the air conditioner is running

3. Visibly spotting mold

If mold is suspected or found in your air conditioning unit and/or the vents, the best thing to do is contact a professional to remove the mold.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Air Conditioner

Ideally, you do not want mold in the air conditioner in the first place, right?  Despite the fact that a/c units can be ideal breeding grounds, there are few ways to prevent mold growth.

1. Keep the a/c running

Turning the air conditioner off throughout the summer seems like an obvious choice in order to save money.  However, this could actually lead to mold growth because moisture is more likely to develop when the air is stagnant.  Instead, when leaving the house during the day, or while on vacation, simply turn the thermostat up a few degrees.

2. Change the filter regularly

One of the things that mold needs in order to grow is organic material to feed on.  This can come from dust and debris caught in your filter.  Which means that this is another great reason to regularly clean or change those filters.

3. Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance

Regular, professional maintenance will help to ensure that filters and coils are clean, there is not an excess of moisture, and it could also help to spot any beginnings of mold before it becomes a big problem.  We recommend a maintenance inspection each spring.

Would you like to learn more about keeping your air conditioner is great shape?  Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical to learn more about our residential cooling services!