Is Your AC the Perfect Machine to Keep Mold Out of Your Home?
In late summer and early fall it is hot and humid here in New Jersey. Many homeowners’ mold issues are driven by high outdoor humidity, heavy storms, and closed-up air-conditioned homes that trap moisture indoors. Mold is not a slow-moving problem; it can start growing in hot weather within 24 to 48 hours. Some people believe air conditioner can create mold problems while others believe they can solve them. Who is right? The answer is both.
Modern electrical air conditioning was invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier. Carrier built his system to control humidity at a printing plant in Brooklyn, New York. Modern air conditioning units are very advanced compared to Carrier’s original design, but they have basic principles in common. Air conditioning units help prevent room mold by pulling water from the air and lowering indoor humidity. The problem is that the moisture pulled from the air can facilitate mold growth inside the unit itself if parts stay wet and dirty.
An air-conditioned home with good airflow helps reduce the chance of damp spots forming on walls and floors. The lower humidity level created by the air conditioning unit can keep mold at bay since, in most situations, keeping indoor humidity below 60% stops mold from growing.
To get the best results from your air conditioning unit, keep these tips in mind. First, set the fan to auto. The reason this is helpful is it lets the fan turn off with the cooling cycle so coils can dry. Next, make sure to clean the filters regularly. When you change your air filters on a regular basis you can block dust from settling in an area. Mold needs organic matter to grow so removing dust makes mold growth more difficult. Lastly, make sure to check drains in the unit. The condensation line needs to be clean and clear for the unit to work properly.
While air conditioning units can do a great deal to reduce the risk of mold in your house, when not maintained properly, they can increase the chance of mold. Your air conditioning unit contains wet dark spaces. The evaporator coils within the unit and the drain pans trap moisture. This moisture can facilitate mold growth. If you have blocked drain tubes, water can back up and breed mold. When you combine that moisture with a dirty fan you can blow mold into your room, allowing spores to land in rooms and reproduce.
Keeping your air conditioning unit in good working order can go a long way to keeping mold out of your home. However, even homes that have properly maintained units can have a problem. If there is a persistent musty or earthy odor, discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors, or if you see black, green, white, or brown spots these could be indications you have a mold problem. Peeling paint, warped drywall, or water stains can also signal excess moisture that encourages mold growth. Promptly investigating moisture issues and addressing any suspected mold can help prevent further damage and protect your home's indoor air quality. If you have reason to suspect there is mold in your home, contact Mold Solutions by Cowleys to protect the health of you and your family.
