Mold is an issue that no one wants in their HVAC system. In fact, even the word “mold” sounds unpleasant, along with its close cousin, “humidity.” Unfortunately, high humidity often leads to mold growth, and in a place such as Decatur, Alabama, heat and humidity is a part of summer. The average humidity by June is 75%.
Mold thrives in such conditions, and where air is still, and light levels are low. This makes
Not only does this encourage mold growth, but it also encourages the use of air conditioning through much of the year. Air conditioning relies on cooling air and removing humidity, and to do this, water vapor must cool and turn into water droplets in your unit. This water typically leaves your home via the condensate drain.
However, things can go wrong, and mold can grow in your AC unit or greater HVAC system, causing air quality to drop. Your unit could begin blowing mold throughout your home, causing health issues such as respiratory symptoms and eye irritation.
How To Tell If You Have Mold
Mold may not be obvious around your AC unit or greater HVAC system at first, but there are ways to tell if it could be a problem.
Aside from health issues, a musty smell coming from your vents or the unit itself is a sign of mold growth. Checking around to find the source of the smell is a good idea, in case there is a water leak or moisture in another part of your home.
Checking the unit itself is a good idea. Mold comes in a range of colors, and any unusual color around your AC unit is likely mold. Sometimes, black dust can appear around your unit as well, or around air vents as mold spores travel through the building.
What to Do if You Find Mold
The good new is that mold is a fairly easy HVAC problem to address. Sometimes, mold can form when your AC unit doesn’t run for a long period of time, and the unit has been exposed to darkness, humidity, still air, and heat.
In this case, simply wiping away the mold and ventilating the unit may be all it takes to solve your issue. You’ll want to do this quickly, as mold can spread to other areas of your home and cause issues. While it is possible to clean the area yourself, this requires a lot of steps and personal protection equipment to guard your health.
A Decatur, AL HVAC professional can perform such a cleaning and will have the equipment to get into hard-to-reach areas. Your HVAC company will also be able to access air vents where mold may have already traveled, and clean those out as well.
If you notice water around your HVAC unit or air conditioner, this may be a clogged condensate drain line or overfilled drain pan. These parts should sweep water from your home when the AC unit is running, and when clogged, this provides an idea environment for mold. Your HVAC company can also unclog these pipes for you, which will often solve the mold issue on its own.
Conquer Your Allergies Today and Guard Your Health
Here at Southeastern Mechanical Services in Decatur Alabama, we’re here to help you keep your HVAC system running to your advantage all year long. Be sure to contact us with any health or air quality concerns you may have with your HVAC system.
