AC is a must in the Decatur, AL area. Without it, summers would be very uncomfortable. But running your AC can come with a host of maintenance issues, just like with any other component of your home or business.
Mold is a problem that can happen in moist areas that don’t get much UV radiation, and that includes your air conditioner. Air conditioners, after all, collect the humidity from the air, leading to moisture. Mold growth can make your air conditioner smell musty.
If found, be sure to follow a proven treatment plan for getting rid of the issue before it gets any worse and affects your home’s air quality. Once you’ve resolved the mold issue with your unit, no matter which type, follow these steps to lower your chances of the mold returning:
Step One. Clean any debris around your AC unit. This can include weeds, tall grass, old tarps, and other debris that might block airflow and allow excess humidity to gather. Also, better airflow will help your unit not work so hard, which will save on your energy bills.
Step Two. Replace your filters. Since mold spores may have gotten into your filters, be sure to do a replacement after you’ve cleaned your unit of mold. This will reduce the chances of another mold outbreak happening inside your unit.
Step Three. Watch for leaks around your AC unit, which often manifest as water puddles.
Normally, AC units do gather some condensation from the air—this is how they dehumidify your air inside your home. But this condensation is supposed to go into a drain pan, and then out of your home. Window units will drip water onto the ground.
When water is going onto your floor, that could mean a plugged drain pan, which will cause standing water and a higher chance of the mold’s dreaded return.
Step Four. You can help your AC unit out by getting a dehumidifier for your home. Such a device will remove the moisture from the air before it reaches your unit, which in turn will mean less moisture in your system (and throughout your home.)
What to Do if Mold Returns? If you’re unable to clean all the mold from your unit, are suffering from health problems caused by mold, or keep having recurrences of mold, you may want to hire a professional. In fact, this may be a good idea as it is often difficult and time-consuming to clean mold from an AC unit yourself.
Another option is, if you have an older AC unit, to replace your old unit with a newer, more efficient model. Doing so will cost more upfront but will lead to long-term benefits such as lower electrical costs and more flexibility with how you cool your home. Newer AC units often come with smart thermostats giving you greater control over your heating and cooling, and money-saving models such as mini splits can allow you to cool only one part of your home if that’s what you need.
Want Professional Advice or Help? Southeastern Mechanical Services in Decatur, AL, is here to help maintain your AC system and keep you healthy all summer long. If you’re dealing with a moldy system, contact us to find the right solution for you.
