Your HVAC systems piping and drain pan is a common culprit of mold production, growth, and transportation. Mold is a fungi that produces spores to reproduce that float through the air and grow onto surfaces like wood, plastic, metal, ect. Moisture is what is most needed. The mold use the moist damp areas of your house to grow and thrive on, attaching itself to the dust and dirt on those surfaces they reproduce and can destroy surfaces they grow on. Mold needs food and water to survive so in order to control mold, you need to reduce moisture. Moisture and water is what drives them the most because mold can feast on anything, so by taking away the water it limits them. The most common places where mold grows in the home is the bathroom, around the windows where moisture condenses, near anywhere that has a leak, and last but not least, your air conditioner. When the humidity is high in your house, moisture is high and when moisture is high, mold grows. Mold spores are microscopic and can be found in both indoor and outdoor air. Mold sets off an odor that you can smell and know there is mold nearby. Mold causes health issues including headaches, asthma, breathing problems, skin reactions, and allergic reaction. When you have family that have a weakened and compromised immune system, you have to take special care to ensure that mold doesn’t get out of hand in your home. Your air conditioner is a breeding ground for mold because of the moisture in it. Dust and dirt get into your coil and the mold attach and feed off of it inside your unit. Mold can also grow if you are using filters that aren’t filtering the dirt and dust well enough and the unit is too large for the home. If your air intake is located in a moldy area of the house, it can transfer mold to other areas of your home. When your ducts are exposed to moisture, the mold can grow in them also.
Ways to cut down mold.
Have your annual AC Clean and Check to eliminate most of the dust and dirt. Get your duct cleaned and sanitized every other year or so. Get a humidifier. Open windows and let fresh air dry out your home. Keep humidity levels low as you can, preferably under 50%. Keep your air conditioner and humidifier running during the hot times of the year. Make sure your home has proper ventilation. Do not carpet bathrooms and basements and if your carpet gets wet, remove it. Make sure you have the right size AC for your home. Change filters monthly and make sure you have the right filter for your unit. Call Bartlett Heating and Air today for your AC clean and check to make sure mold doesn’t get out of hand.
