Your home is supposed to provide comfort and shelter you from the elements. But did you know that your own air conditioner can make you sick if it’s not properly cared for? That’s why it’s crucial to check your air conditioner for mold. If you do have air conditioner mold and aren’t sure where to turn, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know:
The Dangers
Everybody knows that mold is something to avoid at all costs, but what exactly makes it so dangerous? To the naked eye, mold is pretty hard to miss; it’s ugly, smelly, and likely contrasts the color of the surface it’s on. This likely goes without saying, but you should never touch mold without proper protection. Doing so could irritate your skin, and you could spread it to more sensitive parts of your body like your eyes and nose. Beyond the naked eye, however, mold releases microscopic toxins called spores that can cause numerous health issues once they’re inhaled: sneezing, coughing, congestion, major respiratory problems — nothing you want to deal with. If you have mold in your air conditioner, spores are going to spread throughout the entire house and affect everyone living in it. Knowing the dangers of air conditioner mold is the first step towards resolving these issues.
The Solutions
Although we recommend seeking professional help to remove air conditioner mold, there are some steps you can take on your own. The most effective way to get rid of these harmful substances is to literally scrub them away. Advice will vary depending on where you look, but generally, most will say to saturate the moldy area with a mixture of water and bleach and use a scrubbing brush to remove the harmful substances. If you do try to remove the mold yourself, please wear rubber gloves and a face mask. Touching or inhaling mold or bleach can be very harmful, which is why you must take these protective measures. Once again, we highly recommend seeking professional help for a moldy air conditioner. An expert will de-mold your unit with proper cleaning solutions that will leave it clean for much longer than water and bleach does.
The Next Steps
So, your air conditioner is mold-free now. What steps can you take to prevent mold from forming again? The best thing you can do is to limit the amount of moisture or water in your home. Mold cannot form without moisture, so dehumidifying your house should be the first thing you do following mold removal. Another precaution to prevent air conditioner mold is to regularly replace your filters. Filters collect dust and other particles over time, so if there’s a blockage, spores can more easily enter your home. Additionally, seeking professional help for preventative maintenance is a great way to keep a healthy air conditioning system.
Getting Help on Your Air Conditioner Mold
Not sure who to call for advice on your moldy air conditioner? Quality Home HVAC is your go-to! We offer affordable, all-encompassing air conditioner services in an effort to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Get started today by calling us at (970) 447-4151!
The post Air Conditioner Mold: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Quality Home HVAC.