HVAC mold growth anywhere in your home is a problem, but especially in your HVAC system. There’s always plenty of moisture in and around the unit, so mold can easily grow there if you’re not careful. Once it does, it can spread from there to the rest of the house via your ductwork, causing respiratory problems and other illnesses and requiring extensive (and expensive) cleaning to get rid of it. How can you keep HVAC mold at bay? Here are a few tips.
- Maintain your drain pan. One of the biggest sources of mold in your system is a clogged drain pan with standing water. Check the drain line regularly to make sure it’s draining properly. To prevent clogs, pour a mixture of one cup of water and one cup of white vinegar down the drain. If your drain line does clog, call your HVAC technician.
- Change your filter. Your HVAC air filter traps and removes mold spores from the air. However, over time, the filter becomes clogged and those spores just get blown back into your home. Change the filter every three to six months to ensure proper airflow.
- Inhibit mold. Spray an EPA-approved disinfectant on every component of your HVAC system, then apply a mold inhibitor. This will help prevent mold growth in and around the unit. Both your furnace and your AC should come with instructions for how to do this properly. Or, you can call your HVAC technician to help.
- Insulate your ductwork. Temperature differences between the inside and outside of your ducts can lead to condensation, which can cause mold growth. Make sure your ducts are properly insulated to eliminate moisture and prevent HVAC mold.
- Control humidity. Mold thrives in environments that have high humidity. Get a whole-home humidifier to keep your humidity levels in the safe zone (between 30% and 50%). A humidistat lets you set your ideal humidity level so you can keep comfortable, save energy, and improve your IAQ.
For help eliminating HVAC mold from your home, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We keep Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin homes comfortable and energy efficient.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area