Mold in Air Conditioners: How Dangerous Is It?
Although air conditioning mold is typically hidden and hard to detect, you may notice your AC unit emitting a damp or musty odor.
When you notice unusual smells from your air conditioner, it’s important to understand the risks you might be facing. In fact, inhaling mold spores causes health issues such as wheezing, coughing, or an itchy throat.
If you visually see mold growing on your air conditioner or notice unpleasant odors, call a trusted local plumber in Springdale, AR, for a consultation. A plumbing and HVAC professional will determine the extent of the mold and remove it or recommend the purchase of an entirely new air conditioner repair when necessary.
Read on to learn more about dealing with mold in window AC units or your central HVAC system.
What Are the Dangers of Air Conditioner Mold?
A moldy air conditioner might give you a variety of different symptoms. Although these are not extremely hazardous to most people, they will not clear up until the mold is thoroughly cleaned.
Individuals with mold allergies will also face more severe symptoms. In addition, people who are immune-compromised or have chronic lung illnesses may face serious lung infections when exposed to mold.
Symptoms of AC mold include the following:
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Red and itchy eyes
- Skin rash
- Irritated throat
The mold that forms in an AC unit isn’t much different than mold growing in other parts of your home. However, since your air conditioner constantly pumps air into your home, mold spores will also be continuously pumped into your indoor air.
For this reason, every breath you inhale could contain mold spores, depending on whether the mold is isolated to a single AC unit or spread throughout your central air conditioner.
Professional cleaning by a local trusted plumber could be necessary no matter where the mold is located.
What Causes Mold in AC Units?
Mold requires two things to grow and develop: an organic food source and moisture.
Although mold typically uses wood or carpet as a food source, it can also use the dust collected inside your vents and AC unit. As long as there’s enough moisture from high humidity or a leak, mold will thrive off the dust in your air conditioner.
Dust usually accumulates inside your air conditioner and vents during the winter months when your home doesn’t need cooling. Then, as the weather begins warming up in the spring and summer months, there’s excess humidity in your ducts that allows mold to form.
An overly dusty and dirty air filter will further accelerate mold growth and mold pollutants throughout your home.
How to Remove Mold from My Air Conditioner?
Removing mold from your air conditioner is not a DIY job you should try taking on yourself. Safe and effective mold removal requires the knowledge and experience of a professional team. If you try removing the mold in your air conditioning yourself, you likely will not eliminate all of it.
With the humid weather in Arkansas, you may have mold hidden in your AC system. Furthermore, homes that have experienced leaky plumbing or flood damage are at greater risk for moldy AC units.
If you suspect there is black mold or another kind of mold in your AC unit, you should call a professional who can utilize highly advanced mold removal processes.
What Is the Mold Remediation Process?
A professional will take a series of steps to eliminate mold in your AC unit. When you call, expect the following:
Emergency Contact
After you call, you’ll be asked a set of questions to determine the equipment and personnel needed for your property.
2. Inspection
Certified plumbers will thoroughly inspect your home and air conditioner for mold. The technology they use can detect mold and find any hidden sources of water mold may thrive in.
3. Mold Containment
Plumbing professionals will perform various containment procedures to prevent the spread and cross-contamination of mold.
4. Air Filtration
Mold-removal specialists will use advanced filtration equipment to remove microscopic mold spores from the air.
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
Mold colonies will be eliminated with antimicrobial and antifungal treatments.
6. Cleaning
Plumbing professionals will clean the structures that were infected by mold.
7. Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, restoration or minor repairs may need to be completed.
Contact Your Local Plumber Today
Attempting to clean moldy air conditioners by yourself can be stressful and ineffective. Stith Plumbing and HVAC provides extensive mold cleaning services for all properties in Springdale, AR, and the surrounding areas.
For a mold inspection or to learn about our other services, contact the trusted professionals at Stith Plumbing and HVAC today.