It is not uncommon to find mold in your HVAC system. The air conditioning unit provides the required moisture and warmth for mold to grow.
During humid days, moisture from the atmosphere is absorbed into the HVAC, and the warm air inside encourages mold growth. Unfortunately, mold in your HVAC is dangerous, and it needs to be cleaned as soon as possible.
The mold in your unit can lead to respiratory issues or even damage the entire system. Remember that mold is a fungus, so you need to take action fast before it spreads.
So, do you know how to clean mold from HVAC system? Check out these incredible tips:
Signs of Mold in your HVAC
1. Smell
The first sign of mold infestation is the smell. Mold has a distinct smell that is difficult to miss. You will notice the smell of dampness coming from your HVAC system when blowing air.
If your space feels damp, then this is a sign of mold.
2. Visible Signs on the Vent
You might start seeing signs of mold on the vent of your HVAC. This will depend on the type of mold, but mostly the mold is black or dark green.
This is a sure sign that you are dealing with a mold infestation. When checking for visible signs of mold in your unit, make sure that you wear gloves and a face mask so that you do not come into contact with mold.
3. Allergic Irritation
Allergic irritation is another sign of mold infestation. If you notice unexplained coughing, it is a sign that you are facing a mold allergy.
Coughing is not the only sign, and the signs might differ from one person to another. Some people may constantly sneeze or have other severe signs.
How to Clean Mold from HVAC System: Best Steps
Cleaning mold from your HVAC system requires patience. And, if the mold infestation has spread up to the ducts, you need to consult a professional for proper cleaning and maybe replacement.
However, if the infestation is not extreme, you can always do the cleaning on your own. Here are some crucial steps on how to clean mold from HVAC system:
1. Wear Protective Clothing
Mold can be very dangerous to the respiratory system. You need to make sure that you are protected during the cleaning process.
Wear an apron so that your clothes are not stained. Also, wear a mask to protect your mouth and nose. Remember to wear gloves so that you do not come into direct contact with the mold.
2. Turn Off the System
It is important to turn off the system before starting the cleaning process. This is important for safety purposes and to make sure that you do not damage anything during the cleaning process.
3. Get a Good Mold Cleaner
You can get a store-bought mold cleaner, or you can make one at home. Store-bought cleaners are effective because they are made to clean mold and prevent mold from growing back.
However, you can make a home mold cleaner with one-part bleach and sixteen-part water. Vinegar is also a great mold cleaner and works like bleach.
The surest way to get rid of mold is to buy a mold cleaner that is specifically made for that job.
4. Use a Scrub and Vacuum to Clean the Mold
This method is done by soaking the affected parts with a mold cleaner. After that, you can use a scrub to remove all the mold and later vacuum the area to dry out the excess liquid.
5. Use a Mold Fogger Machine to Clean out the Excess Mold
This is one of the most effective ways to clean mold from the HVAC. The process converts the mold cleaner into a mist that goes to all parts of the HVAC machine, cleaning out the mold.
6. Use a Mold Inhibitor
Using a mold inhibitor can effectively prevent the future growth of mold. Most can be very stubborn, so you need to make sure that it does not grow back again.
Spraying an inhibitor to prevent further growth of mold is an excellent way to keep your HVAC system mold-free.
Tips on Preventing Mold Growth in your HVAC
Besides learning how to get mold out of HVAC system, learning some tips on how to prevent its occurrence in the first place is crucial.
So, what do you need to do?
1. Protect the HVAC from Moisture
Moisture is the main cause of mold. If you want to protect your HVAC unit from mold, you need to make sure that your HVAC unit is not exposed to moisture.
You can do this by ensuring that the HVAC unit is properly sealed from moisture. And if you have an indoor unit, you can seal the windows so that rainwater does not enter the unit.
Another way to prevent moisture is to avoid using water when cleaning your unit. Always use a vacuum or a dry piece of cloth to clean the unit.
2. Replace the Filters Regularly
Replacing the filters regularly can be a great way to prevent mold growth. Dirty filters provide a perfect breeding ground for the filters because they provide food for the mold.
Follow the filter replacement schedule and make sure that your filters are always clean. It is advisable to also use filters that prevent the growth of mold in your unit.
3. Keep Up with Regular Servicing
Regular HVAC servicing and inspection are certainly beneficial. Make sure that you have your HVAC unit checked at least twice a year.
During the regular inspection, the technician will check your unit for mold and advice you on how to keep mold away before it becomes worse. The technician will also clean early signs of mold.
Is Mold in your HVAC Dangerous?
Mold in any part of your house is dangerous, especially in the HVAC. Since mold is rarely noticed, it spreads fast and can be detrimental to your health. The HVAC is responsible for supplying air in your home, so if you have some mold in the unit, it can easily spread to different parts of the home.
Mold in your duct or unit is a problem that needs to be solved immediately to avoid health problems and even damage to your unit.
If you have mold in your AC, you might experience some health problems such as headaches, eye irritation, skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. Some of these signs might not be obvious immediately because they start slowly and develop over time.
However, learning how to remove mold from HVAC system gives you an upper hand on the issue. And if you can’t handle the process yourself, Direct Air is always just a call away.
