Did you know that air conditioners are prone to mold growth? If moisture gets into the dark spaces of your HVAC system, mold can easily thrive. Thankfully, mold problems are usually easy to identify. But it’s still a good idea to take steps to prevent mold from ever happening to begin with.
If you do suspect that you have mold inside of your air conditioner, give our team a call for air conditioning repair in Lansdale, PA. You can also keep reading to learn more about some of the steps you can take to prevent the conditions that allow mold to grow and thrive in the first place.
Manage Humidity
One of the best ways to prevent mold growth is by reducing humidity levels inside your home. Mold thrives in dark and damp environments. You can’t help but have some darker areas of your home, but you can prevent extra moisture from building up.
We recommend that you use a hygrometer to measure the indoor humidity of your home to determine whether or not high humidity levels are a problem. We typically recommend that indoor humidity be between 30% and 50%. Anything higher than that may indicate that you need to invest in a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from your home.
Schedule Duct Services
It’s also a good idea to schedule duct services regularly. Our team can usually complete a general duct inspection during regular AC maintenance. However, you need to schedule duct cleaning and resealing every three to five years.
During your regular AC maintenance appointments, we can give you an idea of when it will be time to schedule that separate service appointment. When your ductwork is completely airtight, it helps to prevent moisture from getting in and allowing mold to develop.
Care for the Condensate Drain Line
You also need to take steps to prevent water leaks from happening inside your air conditioner. This means rinsing out your condensate drain line with vinegar each month. Doing so is the best way to prevent clogs from developing that might allow water to spill out and leak inside your AC unit or the surrounding areas of your home. Water leaks can foster mold growth and also increase humidity levels inside your home. The vinegar also helps to prevent mold from developing in that line specifically.
Watch for Warning Signs
Aside from taking preventative steps, it’s also important to know the signs that a mold infestation is already present. If air coming from your air conditioner, smells damp or musty, consider it a red flag. It’s also concerning if you and your family members are suddenly experiencing illness and allergy symptoms that are persistent and don’t have a specific explanation. For example, you may have itchy skin, sinus problems, and headaches due to a mold infestation.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling does what’s right for our customers. Schedule an appointment today for AC service or give us a call anytime you have an indoor air quality need.