Temperatures have been difficult to deal with this year, and HVAC systems were nothing short of a blessing. However, despite all the benefits, HVACs can also become a major source of molding in the house if you are not careful.
911 Restoration teams across North America often work on HVAC mold removal, and we have prepared a basic guide about it in this article.
How your HVAC Unit May Cause Molding
The main reason for molding in your HVAC unit is disrepair and lack of maintenance. Aside from regulating temperature, your HVAC also regulates the humidity inside the house. If the HVAC starts malfunctioning, it won’t properly remove the water outside, allowing moisture to accumulate.
You may also see dampness on the wall around the HVAC when it happens.
Why HVAC Mold is Dangerous
A malfunctioning HVAC will eventually stop cooling the air, but that is not the only problem you will face. The mold growing inside the HVAC is also extremely dangerous and needs to be removed at the earliest. Following are some of the problems a mold infestation can cause.
1. The Mold can Spread to All Connected Rooms.
Since the mold is growing inside the HVAC system, its particles will become mixed with the air and spread to several rooms in the house. These particles can then attach themselves to other damp areas in the house and create an infestation in several locations.
The damage will become extensive and will cost you a significant sum of money to get it removed.
2. Cause Health Concerns
Depending on the type of mold growing inside the HVAC, you can:
- Become infected
- Get allergic reaction
- Get poisoning
All three issues are major health concerns, especially the poisoning since the strength of your immune system will not protect you against it. Immunocompromised individuals will be at the greatest risk in pathogenic mold, as their bodies cannot fight against most infections.
3. Affect and Deteriorate Nearby Walls
Once the mold starts growing inside the HVAC, it will affect the walls around the unit, deteriorating their structure from within. Untreated mold can weaken the construction material used in the house, making it a safety hazard in the long term.
Signs you Have a Mold Problem.
The good news about mold growth is that it cannot hide for too long. There are several tell-tale signs of mold formation that will help you detect the problem early on.
1. Funky Smell from the HVAC
Most molds have odd compositions and give off musty and funky smells once they become settled and grow. If a funny smell hangs around your HVAC system or spreads when you turn it on, you likely have a molding problem.
2. Regular Sickness
There is a high chance that the mold growing inside your HVAC unity will either be allergenic or pathogenic. If you and your family often fall sick at home, especially when you spend ample time indoors, you probably have an HVAC molding problem.
3. Visible Molding
Some mold formations are easy to detect because they become visible. Instead of growing only within the HVAC units, these molds extend to the wall, discoloring it.
Mold Removal from HVAC System with 911 Restoration
911 Restoration teams across North America excel at mold removal and will be happy to help you out. Soon as you discover your HVAC mold, you need to follow the following steps:
- Shut off the HVAC instantly.
- Wear an N95 mask to prevent any more mold spores from getting inside your body.
- Call 911 Restoration at 877 488 7988 for home restoration and repair. Our team is available 24/7 and will reach you within 45 minutes of your calling.
We have several years of experience in mold removal, and all our teams have the required training to completely rid your house of mold.
Preventing Mold Formation in HVAC System
While we will always be there to help you out when you need mold removal or water damage restoration, there are a few ways to prevent HVAC molding. The following are the most effective ones.
1. Regular Maintenance and Repair
Your HVAC unit ideally needs annual or biannual servicing to check for any problems. You will drastically cut down the chances of mold formation if you keep your system maintained by getting it repaired regularly.
2. Regular Air Filter Replacement
Unclean air filters are a major spot for mold growth because all the pollutants and foreign particles accumulate there. The dirtier it is, the worse the situation will be; therefore, make sure you replace the filters within the recommended time bracket.
3. Use a Mold Inhibitor
Several EPA-approved disinfectants prevent mold growth, so you can spray these mold inhibitors inside the HVAC to keep mold formation to a minimum.
Wrapping Up
Overall, HVAC systems are a common molding source; however, you can easily address it by calling the 911 restoration team to help you with mold removal.
If you have an existing mold formation, you can call the 911 Restoration team at 877 488 7988. You can also send your inquiries on this link, and our team will respond as soon as possible.