Change Your AC filter Regularly
The simple task of changing or cleaning your air filter according to the recommended maintenance schedule can make a drastic difference in your home for many reasons, and assisting to prevent mold is one of them! If your AC filter is clogged, it won’t be able to do its job properly, which includes stopping mold spores from getting into your unit and traveling around your home. If your filter is damp it can be even more of a problem, as mold thrives in damp spaces.Maintain A Healthy Humidity Level
We may not even think about the humidity in our home and how it affects us. The truth is that it can affect everything from the structure of our homes to our personal health. Since mold can only grow in moist environments, it is important to maintain the level of water in the air by controlling the humidity levels. The ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%. If the air in your home holds more humidity than that, it is a possibility that you can get mold in your HVAC system. If you find that your humidity level is too high, it might be wise to invest in a dehumidifier to prevent damage, mold, and health risks.
Maintain Your Drain pans
It might be something that slips our mind, but the drain pan is there to collect moisture that drains from your unit. Try to check on the pan periodically and clean it if you notice moisture or standing water in the pan.Take Advantage of Your Fan
The fan in your AC unit causes the air to circulate. Circulation is an enemy to mold growth, so it is highly beneficial to run it from time to time, or consistently, based on your personal preferences.Make Sure Your Unit Is Properly Insulated
Insulation is important in many ways. It helps our unit run efficiently and not waste energy, and it helps to prevent moisture and condensation from building up.Taking little steps to maintain and care for your unit and humidity levels within the home is a great way to avoid dealing with mold. Mold removal can be a long process, so it is best to avoid it however possible. If it can’t be avoided and you happen to find mold lurking in your home, Vortex Restoration and our trustworthy team of experts can help you mitigate the issue and bring your home back to normal. Sometimes mold can pop up when you least expect it, but you can rest easy knowing we offer 24/7 emergency service. Call your mold restoration expert today to put remove any types of molds in your home.Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if there is mold in my HVAC system?
The most common sign is a musty smell that shows up or gets stronger when the air turns on. You may also see dark spots on vent covers, around the air handler, on the evaporator coil or in the drain pan. Allergy symptoms that flare when the system runs, then ease when it is off, are another strong clue worth having checked.
Can mold in air ducts make you sick?
It can. When the system runs, it blows spores through every room, which can trigger sneezing, coughing, congestion, headaches and itchy eyes. People with asthma, allergies or weak immune systems usually feel it first. The fix is not just a stronger filter. The growth has to be removed and the moisture that let it start has to be corrected.
How often should I change my AC filter to help prevent mold?
Follow the filter maker's schedule, which for many homes means every one to three months. Change it more often if you have pets, run the system constantly, or live near dust or construction. Check the filter whenever you change it. A filter that is damp, stained or smells musty is a warning sign that moisture is building up somewhere in the unit.
Can I clean mold out of my air ducts myself?
You can wipe mold off vent covers and registers, but cleaning inside ducts is not a DIY job. Household cleaners and brushes tend to break growth loose and spread spores through the house. Lined or flex ducts with mold often need to be replaced rather than cleaned. Professionals use containment, HEPA equipment and treatment approved for HVAC use.
What causes mold to grow in an air conditioner?
Air conditioners pull moisture out of the air, and that water collects on the coil and drains through a pan and line. If the line clogs, the pan overflows or the coil stays dirty, you have constant moisture plus dust for food. Oversized units that cycle on and off quickly also leave humid air behind. Poorly insulated ducts sweat, which adds more moisture.
Does running the AC fan all the time help prevent mold?
It can help air circulate, but there is a catch. Running the fan constantly when the cooling is off can blow moisture from the wet coil back into the house before it drains. For most homes, the auto setting works best during humid weather. If you prefer constant circulation, pair it with a dehumidifier and keep the drain pan and line clear.
Does a dehumidifier help keep mold out of the HVAC system?
Yes. Lower humidity means less condensation on coils and ducts, and less moisture for spores to grab onto. A whole home dehumidifier tied into the HVAC system is the most effective option, but a portable unit in a damp room helps too. Use an inexpensive humidity monitor so you know when the air is getting damp and when to run it.
Do UV lights in an HVAC system prevent mold?
UV lights mounted near the coil can slow mold and bacteria on that surface, and many homeowners like them as an add on. They do not fix the reason mold started, though. A clogged drain line, leaky ductwork or high indoor humidity will keep feeding growth in areas the light does not reach. Treat UV as a backup, not the main solution.
Does the coastal marine layer cause mold in HVAC systems?
It plays a big part. Along the Ventura County and Santa Barbara County coast, damp marine air can sit over homes for days. Ducts that run through crawl spaces under raised foundations are especially prone to condensation and mold. Sealing and drying that space with crawl space encapsulation helps keep moisture away from the ductwork.
Should I call an HVAC technician or a mold company for mold in my system?
Often both. An HVAC technician can fix the mechanical cause, like a clogged drain line, dirty coil or leaky ducts. A mold company handles the contamination itself, cleaning or replacing affected parts under containment so spores do not spread. Vortex Restoration provides mold removal and remediation and can coordinate with your HVAC contractor so both sides get handled.
