Mold is every homeowner and building owner’s nightmare. Not just because it is ugly and unpleasant to look at, but because it is associated with many health problems. No wonder the market value of any structure with a mold infestation reduces automatically as one naturally assumes it to be synonymous with sickness. They are not wrong in thinking so because, in the long run, it is bound to happen.
At Aztil Air Conditioning, we often handle queries asking whether the air conditioner can eliminate or kill mold. Since it is a question that is frequently asked, we decided to give you the answer in detail through this highly informative and useful article.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a black, powder-like, or cottony substance growing on the walls and close to the vents. Mold loves humidity, so you will usually find it wherever there are perpetual wet spots or leaks and drips.
Is Mold Harmful?
Mold is not just an eyesore but also a health hazard. It can lead to many ailments, including respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, skin problems, etc. Therefore, mold is definitely harmful.
Does The Air Conditioner Eliminate Mold?
Right off the bat, the straightforward answer is that the AC CANNOT ELIMINATE MOLD. This belief is just a misconception propagated by a lack of adequate and accurate information. If there is mold growth within a house or a building, running the air conditioner will not help you get rid of it. At most, what the air conditioner does is reduce the chances of mold growth.
Role Of Air Conditioner Controlling Mold Growth
Since the air conditioner cannot eliminate mold, you must be speculating where this misconception started. Well, you aren’t the only one wondering. The myth started because the air conditioner is very useful in preventing mold growth. Nevertheless, people stretched the truth and started saying that it can also eliminate mold.
Now let us see how the air conditioner helps prevent mold growth. Your AC is a complicated piece of equipment that cools your home and makes it comfortable. However, cooling is not the only function that it performs. Humidity is a crucial factor that determines the level of your comfort within the building. When the air conditioner runs, it provides cooling along with humidity control. When there is too much moisture in the air or conditions of high humidity exist, the AC draws out the excess water until it reaches the healthy levels once again. In this manner, it combats dampness, which is essential for mold growth. Less moisture means mold cannot thrive, and so the AC prevents or helps in controlling mold growth.
Preventing Mold Growth
Prevention is always better than cure – this is a universal truth. At Aztil Air Conditioning, we always recommend taking proactive steps to ensure that mold does not grow in your homes. Here are some basic yet necessary steps that you need to follow:
1. Keep AC In Top Shape Through Annual Maintenance – Maintenance or tune-up of the air conditioner is essential to keep it running optimally. When the AC runs efficiently, it can remove humidity better. On the other hand, an air conditioner that suffers neglect will increase the power bill and fail in keeping a check on humidity. Hence, following a strict maintenance schedule is always to your benefit.
2. Keep AC Running Continuously During The High Humidity Days – During those days when the humidity is high, you should not switch off the air conditioner. It will ensure that extra moisture from the air is continuously removed. Switching off the AC when you go out may seem like a good idea in terms of energy saving. Nevertheless, when humidity is high, this little mistake will give mold a foothold in your house. So, on days when the humidity is high, keep the AC up and running.
Eliminating Mold
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mold exists in most homes. We just don’t realize it’s presence until it becomes a noticeable problem. Poor ventilation, along with humidity, propagates the issue.
To eradicate mold, firstly, you need to have a good ventilation system. Always make sure that –
1. Exhaust fans are switched on in the washrooms to help them dry faster.
2. The electric chimney in the kitchen should be on while cooking.
3. The ducts and vents, too, should be kept clean.
Other than that, air out your home from time to time and allow in natural sunlight as that is the best natural disinfectant.
The second important thing to kill mold is maintaining healthy humidity levels indoors. For that –
1. Fix all leaks and drips indoors as soon as possible.
2. Make sure that the AC drip pan and drain line have no cracks or blockages.
3. Install a dehumidifier if nothing else seems to be working.
Professional Cleaning Of Ducts Essential To Eliminate Mold
Mostly ducts are that one place where the mold thrives. It is because of the warm and humid environment that it presents. The mold that is in the ductwork is hazardous. The air passing through the ducts will pick up its spores and spread them far and wide in the building. Thus, even if there is no mold in a given room, its ill effects can still be felt even there.
Professional duct cleaners have industrial equipment that can reach into every corner of the ductwork. The household vacuum cleaners sadly lack this ability. As such, the professionals can give your ducts a thorough cleaning that it requires. Thankfully, duct cleaning is required once every 3 to 5 years, so a professional cleaning will give you a couple of years of respite before you need to get it done again.
Wrapping Up
Your air conditioner is handy equipment in checking the growth of mold. It can, in no way, eradicate mold. For that, you need to employ the services of professional mold cleaners. Timely maintenance and inspection of your AC or HVAC will help prevent mold from gaining a foothold in your house.
Aztil Air Conditioning is a family-owned business in West Palm Beach, Florida, that takes care of the household and commercial heating and cooling systems. We provide installation, maintenance, repairs, and replacement services for your HVAC systems. Our technicians are fully trained professionals who can handle all types of units. Being air experts, they can also guide you to maintain good air quality and healthy humidity levels in your building. If you wish to schedule a maintenance or inspection, give us a call at +1-888-729-8452. We are open 24/7, so you can call us any time.
