Mold can grow in unexpected places. In Grand Blanc, Lapeer, and Davison, it is not uncommon to find mold in air conditioning units. Learn how to detect, prevent, and remove mold from your air conditioning unit.
One of the first signs of a moldy AC unit that local homeowners notice is an odor. You might not notice it when you first turn on the air conditioning. It might be a lingering odor in the home. It might not be noticeable all the time, as homes are often filled with other smells. If you’re baking pies or cooking indoors, you may barely notice the musty odor.
However, this is only one sign. On the other hand, you might start to notice minor health issues. You might be sneezing or coughing when your allergens aren’t in high season. Depending on the type of mold, you may experience even more severe symptoms.
With the symptoms above, we’ve identified that there may be mold in the home. In addition to this, we would need to ensure that the air conditioner is the problem or source. This can be done by standing near the unit to check for the odor. If the odor is coming from your AC, the faint stench you notice in the home will be much stronger.
You may also notice mold near ducts in the home, or even on walls near your windows if you’re using window AC units. Regardless, whether you have central air or are using portable units, mold can grow and be present in them.
Yes, portable or window air conditioners can grow mold. Mold can grow anywhere moisture gathers. These units, much like larger central air conditioners can also become moldy. The spread of mold with a central air unit is larger, as the spores can travel through ducts throughout the home. However, health issues can arise when using these smaller units as well.
Portable air conditioners can also be a larger threat for home fires, but that is a topic for a later time. Be sure to inspect filters and clean them regularly to avoid mold growth. When the weather cools down in Davison or Lapeer, be sure to drain any standing water in your portable or window air conditioners and store them in a dry place for the winter.
While some mold can easily be cleaned, it is best to call a professional to assess the type of mold you have in your AC. Dangerous molds, if not cleaned properly by a Mold Remediation company, can cause serious health issues.
However, if there if the mold is not of a dangerous variety, you can follow the steps below to clean your air conditioner.
The first step, once you have determined that mold is growing in your AC, you need to shut it off. This will stop spores and moldy air from spreading through the home further. Moreover, it will help prevent further respiratory issues for your family.
Your next step in the mold remediation process is opening the grille cover. Most covers snap off, but some require a screwdriver. Once the AC cover is off, take a flashlight and look around the unit.
Mold will be easy to recognize. It takes the form of greenish, brown, or black stains that will cover the inside of the AC. If there are just a few streaks of mold and it is mainly on the inner walls, you can proceed with cleaning.
However, if the mold covers more than one-third of the unit’s inside, it might be best to contact Aladdin’s. In such cases, we will be the only ones with the equipment and knowledge necessary to remove the mold.
Depending on the amount of mold, you will probably have to dismantle your AC to clean it properly. Use your owner’s manual to ensure you do everything correctly.
Vacuum any dust or debris inside the unit. You can use a nozzle attachment to make this step easier. Then, spray the coils with any coil cleaner you can buy, and let it dissolve any dirt from these spots. After the amount of time specified on the cleaner bottle passes, use a garden hose to remove the cleaner from the coils.
Finally, fill up a bucket with a few gallons of water, and add half a cup of bleach to it. Use a sponge and carefully wipe the insides of the AC. The household bleach will ensure there are no mold spores left. Remember to always use gloves and protective goggles to protect yourself as you clean.
Let your AC dry completely before you put it back together again. In most cases, it will take around 24 hours.