It is important to address mold in your AC unit as soon as possible. It can be a severe health hazard and cause permanent damage to your lungs. If you see mold growing on your unit, you should contact a professional if you are not sure how to proceed. Billfish Air Conditioning, LLC is a cooling and heating company that can help you with this problem. We have a team of expert technicians who will remove the mold and clean your unit to keep it running optimally. However, there are also some things that you can do on your own.
1. Check Your Air Filters
Cleaning your air filters is one of the easiest ways to prevent mold from growing. It doesn’t take much to stop the growth. It could be something as simple as getting rid of the dirt on your windowsills, wiping off some dust from the ceiling fans, or vacuuming all that dust that has built up on your carpet over time.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
Mold thrives in humid conditions, so if you have a problem with condensation, it is best to invest in a good dehumidifier. It will help dry out your air, which will help prevent mold from growing and your unit from going bad before its time.
3. Ensure Your Unit Is Clean Inside and Out
When cleaning your AC, be sure to use vinegar on any surface with water stains or any kind, like your unit’s coils, grilles, or covers. It will help loosen up any mold that is present. It is also a good idea to clean your AC unit at the end of each season so that you can start fresh the following year.
4. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly
Over time, air filters get very dirty and clogged. If your filter is old or too dirty, it could be blocking cold air from coming into the system, and this could make your AC work harder than it should, making it less effective as time goes on.
5. Contact Your Service Company
If you have a major mold problem, knowing where to turn for help is key. Billfish Air Conditioning, LLC is a highly experienced cooling, heating, and air conditioning company with over 20 years of expertise in the industry. We will be able to provide you with the best possible resolution for your problem and get your system working at its total capacity.
6. Install a Humidistat
A humidistat is an electronic device whose essential purpose is to keep the humidity at a certain level. Many different features are available in these devices, and you must know what you need to choose the best one for your needs.
7. Follow Your Manufacturer’s Instructions
Different manufacturers have different instructions on properly maintaining your AC unit, so follow those instructions and use the standard process for cleaning the inside, wiping the coils, etc. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you may cause more harm than good.
Causes of Mold in Your AC
It can also help to know the common causes of mold so that you can take steps to prevent them.
Condensation
Condensation is a significant cause of mold, but the good news is that this problem can be easily controlled using a dehumidifier. Condensation occurs more in warm months because the outside temperature is higher, and the AC system will cool down the indoor air so much that it will cause condensation to form and drip on all surfaces within your home or office. It leads to excess air moisture, allowing mold to grow.
Air Leaks
Air leaks can occur in any part of the AC system and are generally a result of improper maintenance. A small air leak can be caused by a worn or improperly secured hose or belt. A more significant air leak can be caused by a power outage that causes fixed lines in the system. A large air leak can also happen if you get caught up in your hair while vacuuming, which causes your vacuum to suck up all kinds of debris and bring it into your AC unit, leading to mold growth.
Low Refrigerant
If your AC unit leaks into the system, it could be low on refrigerant, which causes your compressor to run. If the leak worsens and insufficient refrigerant in the design, your AC becomes inefficient and will not run correctly. Mold could also grow in these conditions due to moisture that results from the lack of cooling and compression.
Operating Guidelines
Mold will grow if you do not clean the coils from time to time, and the condensate can get dirty and clogged up. When these things happen, mold will grow more efficiently in your AC unit because there is a lot of moisture within the air and on all the surfaces in your system.
Dirty Filters
Dirty filters are another major contributor to mold growth in your AC unit. The unit has to work harder to filter out the dust and other particles in dirty filters. If the team has to work extra hard, the AC compressor will be on longer, which will cause more moisture within your home or office. It will also cause your unit to wear down faster.
Exterior Damage
If there has been damage to your AC unit from a storm, or if your AC unit is exposed to the elements, then you may have mold issues. A damaged AC unit will not be able to function correctly, and mold will start to grow.
Inadequate Maintenance
The air inside your AC unit is significantly humid, which can also lead to mold growth. If your air conditioning unit is not maintained correctly, you could start to see mold growth within the coils.
Improper Wiring
If the wires in your AC unit become exposed or dirty, this can lead to mold growth because there will be a buildup of dust or other particle matter that will stick to the wires and ultimately cause mold growth. Wires also tend to get exposed when they are damaged from weather events, which is another reason you need to ensure your AC is protected.
Mold is one of the most common issues homeowners face, but they can easily avoid it with proper maintenance. The AC unit itself is a delicate machine, so you don’t want to be doing anything where you could potentially damage it. The best practice is to hire a company that can provide you with the correct service and maintenance so your system will run as efficiently as possible. Billfish Air Conditioning, LLC is at your service with experienced technicians and reasonable rates.
Billfish Air Conditioning, LLC is a family-owned business that strives to achieve customer satisfaction and safety. Our highly trained technicians are capable of providing repairs, maintenance, and installations of all heating and cooling systems. From the air filters to the ducts, we can lay out a plan of action to get your home or business running as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.
