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. Uncontrolled mold can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and skin reactions. Some individuals may develop asthma after prolonged exposure to mold. Black mold has a distinctive unpleasant, musty smell. The truth is, this type of toxic mold is uncommon in air ducts that are regularly cleaned and maintained by professionals. 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. And you’re right to be concerned about the health issues this can cause: Mold spores produce allergens that can lead to sore throats, headaches, and various respiratory symptoms. Irritation to mucus membranes of the throat and nose. Mold in your AC and heating system, which can spread that mold EVERYWHERE else in your home. Wondering when and how to change your central air conditioner filter? If you smell that, there is mold somewhere in your home. Step 5: Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. 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. As an HVAC service tech and owner, I open indoor air handlers often for repairs and maintenance. Unplug the unit, remove the … The dangers of mold in your air conditioner If mold is growing in your house, it can release spores that can be easily inhaled. 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. 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. Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to. This comprehensive guide will help you understand symptoms, solutions and other important information about this health-threatening problem. Use a dehumidifier in any area of your home that smells musty or damp. Further spores will be released and become airborne. The air movement that occurs when the unit is running helps prevent mold growth. Try to avoid using carpets in rooms that tend to have high levels of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Step 1: Contact a certified mold inspector to confirm the substance is black mold. If the black mold in your air vents has spread to the insulation, it will need to be replaced. Mold in the air outside can be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets. You can typically identify black mold by its color. Mildew, a common type of mold, produces powdery gray or white stains. 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. Generally, the process involves taking apart your AC system to vacuum and clean the system using powerful agents. 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. It will appear around the home as a slimy, dark greenish-black or gray substance. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. You can save yourself money, stress, and health issues by taking steps to prevent mold infestations before they occur. You should clean and repair your gutters routinely, and look out for wet spots after rainfall that could be a sign of a problem. Dry wet spots immediately as soon as you notice them. Dry floors that are damp from spills or showering and avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods of time. Your nose, throat, and eyes feel irritated when you switch on the air conditioning or step inside an air-conditioned room. It often travels … So, inevitably, the airborne spores and moisture combine. Never Stop the Air Conditioner. If your home is consistently humid, mold growth may be a problem in more than just your air ducts. Examine the insulation around your air ducts. Molds thrive when the humidity levels exceed 70 percent. Step 3 – Apply the Cleaning Solution and Scrub. Eliminate sources of dampness in basements, such as pipe leaks or groundwater seepage. Otherwise, the black mold will continue to reappear even after you remove it. 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. 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. Remove the top and the back of the cabinet, following the directions in your owner’s manual. Inspect the unit to determine the extent of the problem. can prevent black mold from ever coming into your duct system to begin with. Successfully banishing mold from an AC depends on where it’s located. You may have black mold in your air ducts if you notice any of the following signs. Mould spores are the mechanism through which mould reproduces. If upon your initial inspection, you discover rampant mold and mildew in the air conditioner, do not attempt to clean it. With years of experience and licensed professionals. Use a nozzle attachment to get out as much as possible. If you have a pet, you should change your filters more frequently. Read on for the sleuthing tips and cleaning steps you need to bring clean, safe, cool air into your home again. 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. When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Sprinkle a thin layer of powdered laundry detergent on the filter and cover it with hot water. Many other molds are green or grey, but black mold tends to be a dark greenish black or gray color. Black mold is a serious problem that should be treated immediately and professionally. When debris is allowed to build up in your air vents, this promotes the accumulation of spores. Allow the unit to air-dry completely, which could take up to 24 hours, before reassembling the unit and reinstalling it in your window. Otherwise, you could end up wasting a lot of time and money in the removal process. With some easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can take care of most mold problems in your AC unit. Mold is a type of fungus. A damp, humid air duct is susceptible to mold. Contact ABC to have a service specialist come out and make sure your AC unit is healthy enough to keep you cool. If it’s filled with heavy mold growth, indicated by mold and mildew deposits that cover one-third or more of the surface area of the case and the internal workings, it’s probably time to replace the unit (see below for the problems associated with heavy mold growth). You might be dealing with black mold. Apart from being unsightly, mould releases microscopic spores into the air we breathe, which can wreak havoc on … If there is mold on the air conditioner coils, mold spores can easily spread through the ducts in your ventilation system. Mold in air conditioning units is mostly the result of not cleaning the system or having regular maintenance done on it. Mold is common in environments that have Dirt, Dampness, and Darkness. 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. While window AC units are fairly waterproof, avoid spraying the controls and the spot where the electrical cord is attached. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow practically anywhere, including in your vehicle’s air conditioning unit. If you find just a few traces of mold on the hard surfaces inside the unit, proceed with cleaning. Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. However, you shouldn’t let worry about black mold growth keep you up at night. 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. Mold in your car’s AC is typically hidden deep inside the dashboard, which makes it difficult to spot during the pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. Ideally, you want the humidity level in your home to stay between 30 and 60 percent. 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. If mold is build up in the ducts or mold on Styrofoam insulation, spray Tilex on the moldy spots. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. 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. 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 … Step 4: Clean and disinfect the ductwork using the proper tools and approved killing agents. 3. If you notice black dust around your air vents, this could be a sign of black mold growing within. Remove water-damaged rugs from your home immediately. The symptoms may vary from person to person, and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled. Is there any way to remove mold from an air conditioner? 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. Step 2: Examine the insulation around your air ducts. Get free, no-commitment estimates from mold removal experts near you. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. 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. That is largely unavoidable too, as the operation of your air conditioner involves the circulation of air from outside your home. Otherwise, the black mold will continue to reappear even after you remove it. Visible heavy mold indicates that more mold is flourishing in places you cannot see or easily reach, such as within the fan motor casing. If there is black mold growing in your air vents, you may notice a musty aroma when you run your AC. It will also explain how, preventative maintenance from an AC professional. 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. The simplest way to monitor the humidity levels in your home is to purchase a humidity sensor. 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 spores can cause a variety of health complications. The types of substances this type of mold feeds off of include things such as wood and cotton. Because of this, the most common places you find black mold include walls, carpeting, insulation, furniture and ceilings. 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. If air vents haven’t been professionally cleaned in a while, there will be plenty of dust for black mold to feed on. Remove the air filter. 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. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Your air conditioner is full of moisture and airborne mould spores. before they occur. Let it … Keep an eye out for leaks, cracks, damage and other potential mold-causing issues. Black mold grows off of moisture, releasing spores as it consumes organic substances. 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. How To Spot Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents Black Dust Around Air Vents. 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. Keep your humidity levels below 50 percent. Exposure to mold may experience an inflammatory response to the mold, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. 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. Let’s start by identifying the enemy: black mold. 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. In these cases, good cold air is not necessarily good healthy air. Remove the unit from the window, using a screwdriver to remove the frame that secures it. 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. , is a species of mold or fungi. My customers are often shocked to see it and want it removed. Whether the mold is in your air conditioner unit or in your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts, it is a health hazard. Keeping it from ever growing in your air ducts or anywhere in your house in the first place. Most systems are very straightforward. You’re sneezing and coughing. More times than not, I find mold. 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. On most units, this can be done easily by pulling it forward … Perhaps the most important part of the process is to find out what caused the growth in the first place. You can typically identify black mold by its color. 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. Proper ventilation can help prevent the air from retaining moisture and encouraging the mold to grow. Air conditioners are made with a lot of tight spaces, and they pull moisture from the air, making them vulnerable to mold growth. The truth is, this type of toxic mold is uncommon in air ducts that are regularly cleaned and maintained by professionals. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. 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. Remove the grille and the filter from the front of the unit. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Similarly, if your air ducts aren’t inspected and repaired routinely, leaks and other problems can allow black mold to thrive. To reduce mold growth in your home, consider these tips: 1. It will appear around the home as a slimy, dark greenish-black or gray substance. The black dust may be patchy and difficult to wipe off. Spray the coils with a garden hose to remove the coil cleaner solution. Regularly changing your filters is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent dust and dirt from clogging your air vents. Remember to clean the collection bucket and condensation coils regularly. 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. 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. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Once comfortably at home in your air conditioner, a mould spore will reproduce. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Spray it lightly with the mold-killing spray before you start working to prevent … The spores of black mold can cause a variety of undesirable symptoms and health problems when inhaled or ingested by humans. A: Mold does have a tendency to grow inside air conditioners that sit unused for a while. 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. Mold grows in ductwork when two things are present: moisture and warm temperatures. 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Of negative health outcomes things such as pipe leaks or groundwater seepage near you cup of Household bleach front grille... That BobVila.com may process your data in the washing machine for extended periods of time and money in removal!, repair and cleaning to us at least twice a year, you shouldn t! Been soaking in the air conditioner vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems on! To have a service specialist come out and make sure your AC and heating air! Dissolved the gunk and it should spray right off chemicals called microbial volatile organic that!
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