Learn more about mold growth in your air conditioning system and how to control it, courtesy of Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating of Southwest Florida.

Mold Growth

Your air conditioning system could be making you sick.

If you have excessive humidity in your home, chances are you've got mold growing in your air ducts or even on your vents. Some types of mold can cause strong allergic reactions and even neurological damage in small children and the elderly. Extensive mold is very expensive to eliminate and will cause the value of your home to decrease.

Most people don't know what can be done to prevent the growth of mold. If you see mold growing on your air vents (usually the first place you will spot mold growth), you need to take immediate action. Calling a specialist, such as Airrific, is the first step to assess your situation and take steps to quickly solve the problem.

Mold on your vents doesn't mean you have a dirty house. It simply means that these are areas of excessive moisture or humidity that are creating an ideal breeding ground for mold spores. These sources of moisture, combined with collections of dirt and dust within your ductwork, are real issues and need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Step one is to have your ducts professionally cleaned. However, if the moisture source is not addressed the mold will just return. So, the next step is have a cooling and heating expert inspect your air conditioning system for a drain line backup, check for plumbing leaks or poor drainage, and give your air conditioner a complete tune-up. If you only live in Florida seasonally you may also want to look into having a dehumidistat placed in your home.

Mold Prevention Tips from the Center of Disease Control

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 40 and 60%. Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during the humid months in damp places.
• Be sure your home has adequate ventilation. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bath areas that vent outside your home.
• Make sure you close dryer vents from outside your home.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls or plumbing so mold doesn't have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home quickly within 24 to 48 hours after flooding.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
• Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms, kitchens; places that have a lot of moisture.

Questions or concerns about mold growth? Call Airrific to discuss mold removal options.