HVAC mold can be a particularly troublesome issue in a home. First of all, it tends to occur in locations that are often not readily inspected by the average homeowner nor easily accessible if mold remediation is suspected. Also, the presence of HVAC mold in these locations enables contamination to spread widely, as airborne mold spores are circulated throughout indoor air. Airborne spores may present a health threat for residents who inhale the spores.
Where Mold Lives
Mold prefers specific conditions to thrive, including a dark environment, moisture, or high humidity, as well as a microbial food supply. Certain parts of the HVAC system — specifically ductwork, the AC condensate drainage system, and the evaporator coil inside the air handler — may provide these conditions.
Effectively dealing with mold contamination after it has taken hold requires professional remediation services. Preventing mold growth is a more achievable goal for the average homeowner. Here are some ways to prevent contamination from HVAC mold from occurring in your HVAC system.
- Control household humidity. Humid air circulating through the dark passageways of HVAC ductwork provides an ideal moist environment for mold growth, particularly during air-conditioning season. Airborne mold spores originating here spread throughout the system and may trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals. For the best mold prevention, maintain indoor humidity below 50% (ideally in the range between 30% and 50%).
- Watch for leakage. During summer, the indoor evaporator coil and central AC condensate drain system may harbor fungal growth that eventually clogs system drainage and causes the AC drip pan to overflow. This contamination may become an ongoing source of toxic airborne spores that continuously infect the house. Contact your HVAC service provider at the first sign of water spillage or leaks around the air handler.
- Schedule professional precision maintenance tune up. Bi-Annual service on the HVAC system includes a thorough cleaning and inspection of ductwork and system components to identify any existing issues including any mold contamination. Regular maintenance tune ups by a qualified technician also helps identify and eliminate the conditions that might trigger future mold growth within HVAC components.
For additional information and experienced service to prevent HVAC mold growth, contact the professionals at Jackson & Sons.
