You only need to do something about mold in your air conditioning system if there are obvious signs, such as visible mold or a strong mildew smell.

The typical places you want to check for mold include the air ducts, intake vents, cooling coils and drip pans.

Causes of Mold in Your Air Conditioning System

When it comes to mold, there are two main contributing factors to look out for:

  • The first cause is condensation. When your AC unit gets cold and the surrounding air is warm, condensation can occur. This especially happens in areas of high humidity. Mold loves damp places to grow, so if your AC unit has a lot of condensation on it, it could be at risk.
  • The second factor is causing mold is organic material. Dust, pollen, and dead skin cells collects in the AC system, feeding mold.

Mold Growth Prevention

Mold is the last thing that any homeowner wants to find in their AC unit. Luckily, there are several ways you can protect yourself against it, depending on the situation and where the mold is located. Here are some handy tools to help prevent mold:

  • Make sure to always have a clean air filter. It’s good idea to change it around every two to three months.
  • If you have any cold, damp spaces in your home, make sure to run a dehumidifier.
  • Insulate your home. In any area that is damp and cold, like a crawl space, mold loves to grow. By insulating these areas, the duct will be kept at a similar temperature as the rest of the house. This reduces condensation.
  • Leave it to the professionals. Hire an experienced professional to come out and clean both your HVAC system and air ducts. They will clear out any dust or debris, thus stopping mold from growing.

Make sure to contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater at the first sign of any mold growth. We’ll take care of the problem quickly and efficiently for you.