How To Prevent Air Conditioner Mold

As the temperature rises and the air grows sweltering, you can trust your air conditioner to provide a cool escape from this New Jersey heat. Many homes rely on constantly running air systems to maintain a comfortable room temperature. Because air conditioning plays such a large role during the summer, it is important to take some time to make sure your air conditioner is well maintained and in good condition. Whether it be central air or an air unit, when hot and cold meets in New jersey humidity, it is a breeding ground for mold. Routine system maintenance will help to prevent air conditioner mold. 

Well Maintained Systems Prevent Air Conditioner Mold

A mild mold threat in your air conditioner can escalate to bigger problems if it goes unnoticed. If you have elevated mold growth in your air conditioner, you are spreading it throughout your house every time you turn on your air. While exposure to airborne mold can be harmless, the results can range from something as common as a mild allergic reaction to something as severe as chronic respiratory disorders.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips:

Follow these maintenance tips to prevent air conditioner mold in your South Jersey home or business. 

Keep it clean:

Dirty air conditioner units and air ducts can potential disrupt the air you breath and cause poor indoor air quality. Keep your air conditioning ducts free of dirt and other debris. If you have a window unit, make sure you change the filter regularly. Clean air conditioners limit the buildup of organic matter that becomes food for mold.

Conduct regular checks. If your ducts appear to be excessively dirty, you may want to consider hiring an expert company to complete a professional duct cleaning.

Regular maintenance:

In addition to conducting regular checks to ensure that your air conditioner is clean. Be sure to keep up with its maintenance. A smooth operating air conditioner helps to ensure that you do not develop moisture or humidity problems. A well maintained system can go a long way to prevent air conditioner mold.

Basic air conditioner maintenance is rather simple, but very important. Change your filters REGULARLY. Again, cleanliness is very important in preventing mold and ensure your system runs smoothly for a long time. Check your coils to ensure they are in good shape and clean of dirt build up. A clean filter helps to keep your coils clean, but some dirt and debris can still get into your coils, so check to be sure. Make sure the coils are in good condition and not bent or damaged. Inspect your draining channels to ensure there are no clogs or leaks.

If time does not permit you to perform regular checks on your air conditioner, look into bringing in a professional. Often times, heating and cooling companies offer low-priced preventative maintenance. If you think you have a bigger problem at hand, call a professional to address it early on before it gets worse.

Control moisture levels:

Moisture is what causes and continues to sustain mold growth. Effective moisture control can prevent air conditioner mold. Keep the moisture levels in your ducts or units to a minimum. Mold just needs a little bit of moisture to thrive. When the cool temperatures in your ducts or window unit meets the humid external temperatures, condensation tends to develop. Well maintained draining channels should keep moisture levels under control, so check them regularly. Also, be on the lookout for any kind of leaks that create pockets of moisture.

Check your ducts regularly to be sure there is no standing water whatsoever. If you notice moisture developing in your ducts, you should consider getting your system serviced early on as to avoid a costly repair or an even costlier mold remediation.

In the case of window units, invest in units that offer humidity control. Indoor humidity can play a major role in mold causation. Mold caused by New Jersey humidity can easily be avoided if you take the necessary precautions.  The air conditioner will automatically control the moisture level in the air, thus discouraging the formation of mold.

Keep your air running:

Our first instinct is to turn the air conditioner off if we’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time. However, a locked up house without air circulation allows for moisture build up as the temperature rises in the warmer months. Warm, moist air is the ideal environment for mold growth. It is already sad enough that every vacation must come to an end, you don’t want to come home to mold too.

Keep your air running on auto while away. Turn the temperature up from what you’re use to, this way the system is not constantly running and risking a break while you’re away. It will also cut down on the electric bill. You just need to establish a consistent temperature and relatively regular air circulation to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Mold in your air conditioner is not always visually apparent. However, mold produces a distinct musty odor. If you think you have a mold problem on your hands, CALL A PROFESSIONAL.

In the case of central air conditioning, it is difficult to access all areas of the ductwork. New Jersey mold professionals have the appropriate equipment and training to ensure the job is done right and prevent a more severe problem. 

If you have a window air conditioning unit, it is often cheaper just to replace the unit rather than paying someone to clean it. However, pay close attention the areas surrounding the window. A leak or mold in your window air conditioner can easily spread to neighboring surfaces. If you are concerned that is the case, you might need to consult a certified mold inspector in South Jersey.