Mold thrives in moist areas, which is why the air conditioner is a prime location for mold growth. Moldy AC units can have a negative impact on your indoor air quality, as air gets circulated throughout your home. Though you can take the time to clean out mold when you notice it, you are much better off learning about the common causes of AC mold. Learn how you can prevent the mold and mildew from appearing in the first place.
Clogged Drain Line
The drain line of your HVAC system should be cleaned out at least once a year. If it isn’t, it can become clogged, which will cause water to back up into the unit. The majority of HVAC units are insulated around the base. Because of this, the water backup can take months to dry out entirely. Mold, however, only takes a week or two to grow.
Dusty AC Coil
Your AC unit should be maintained every year. When you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, your coils start to collect more dirt, dust, and debris. While the air conditioner is on, the cool water drips and accumulates in the debris. This leads to even more mold growth. To prevent the spread of mold, perform regular AC maintenance and clean the coils when they get dirty.
Too Humid
When humidity levels in the home are too high, mold grows much more quickly. The humidity indoors should be between 30 and 50 percent. If it is higher than that, moldy conditions can proliferate. In this case, the use of a dehumidifier during the summer months may be necessary.
Old AC System
Aging air conditioning systems are more susceptible to wear and tear. Your system just won’t perform as well as it used to. The older a system is, the less capable it is at handling extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. In this case, humidity levels remain high and mold grows inside the AC. When you notice your AC system is not working as well as it once did, it’s time to replace it.
Prevent Common Causes of Mold by Improving Your Air Quality
Don’t let the causes of AC mold put the health and welfare of your family at risk. Make your indoor air healthy again. Contact Air Quality Systems for a thorough inspection and cleaning. You just may be shocked by the amount of unwanted dust, dirt and grime that can be removed. Simply call the professionals at Air Quality Systems, proudly serving metro Atlanta.