What To Do With Your AC During Winter (To Reduce Risk Of Mold)
It is not humanly possible to get rid of all the mold spores in the house. They are all over, and they keep coming in each time a door or a window is opened. So the only thing to do is try to prevent mold growth from taking place.
If not properly cleaned on time, moisture from leaks, spills, or high humidity will lead to mold build-up. The food sources of molds can be the surfaces of carpets, wood, or dust particles on which it is growing. Contamination of the AC with mold is dangerous as the mold spores will be distributed through the air in the room and the whole house.
Depending upon the concentration of mold spores, you will be inhaling the germs, which can cause various irritations to the eyes, nose, and throat. Skin allergies are also common. Exposure to mold spores can aggravate symptoms of people who are already suffering from lung infections. Mold is not only harmful to people, but it can also destroy wood, furniture, and carpets, as well as different types of insulation in your home.
The mold cleaning process is difficult, and it depends on the type of air conditioning unit in use. All units of ACs differ from each other, and the resources needed to clean the mold off of them are also not the same.
It is not very difficult to tell when your AC unit has a growth of mold. The mold can be seen growing on the unit and its air filters. You can also tell that there is mold growth when you get a musty smell after turning on your AC.
Another giveaway of mold is present in the AC is when you start experiencing symptoms related to mold illnesses, such as wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Itchiness on the skin, the appearance of rashes, even sore throats, and headaches can be related to mold infestations.
Some ways to Prevent Mold Growth
- The essential factor to controlling the building up of mold is controlling the moisture in the air conditioners.
- Regular cleaning of the filters and grates in window units helps to stop the dust build-up. Dust is a source of food for the mold, and it hinders the flow of air in the AC. You might even have to replace the AC filter in some cases,
- The AC in the window should be fixed so tight that no humidity from the air outside or water from rain can enter the room. The unit should be fitted so that it tilts a little towards the outside. This will help drain out the condensed water from the AC.
- The drainage system of the AC should always be in good working condition so that any build-up of debris does not clog it. It is advisable to have the system lead into a drain tile through a sink or a basement slab.
- A portable AC shuts off automatically, and a light turns on to let you know that the water storage tank is full. When this happens, you must empty the storage tank immediately. If you are storing your portable AC for the winter, it is crucial to make sure they are completely dry.
- Never use water to clean the ducts. They should be wiped dry or dry vacuumed to avoid the build-up of moisture.
- Furnace and air ducts should be inspected and cleaned before switching the AC’s air from cool to hot. Remember, you have not been using the heater for almost a year. Dust and allergens have been building up in the heater since then. Circulation of warm air through these dust and allergen-filled spaces is ideal for mold to grow.
Regular maintenance of all your AC units is essential for a smooth and mold-free circulation of air in the house. If you are cleaning and maintaining it yourself, make sure you wear a mask, gloves, and eye goggles to prevent any irritations.
- Installing a whole-home dehumidifier is a good preventative measure to take to stop mold growth in your AC unit or anywhere else. Dehumidifiers control and adjust the humidity levels in your home in accordance with indoor and outdoor temperatures. It removes the extra moisture and makes your home warm and dry during the winter times. A dehumidifier can also help improve indoor air quality!
- A centrally controlled AC system is more difficult and more expensive to clean. The first thing to do when you notice mold is to shut it off completely. Secondly, call the professionals for the job; they will know better how to clean and insulate the system properly.
- Repairing leaks in roofs and pipes is also a good idea. The mold grows fast in such places where water has caused damage. So before the winter sets in, make sure you have repaired anything that is damaged or could be a potential threat to your house.
911 Restoration of Ventura County
A thorough cleaning of your AC units is regularly required, especially when winter is close. It is best to hire professional technicians for the job. Our staff are professional, well-trained, skilled, and experienced in cleaning your AC unit properly and also give you advice on how to best maintain and take proper care of your air conditioners to prevent mold growth.
If you are experiencing mold growth in your AC or anywhere else in your home, call (805) 212-1154 to get in touch with professionals who can help. Our team is IICRC certified and professionally trained to remove and prevent further mold growth in your home completely.
