Identifying and Preventing HVAC System Mold

Mold is a highly undesirable material for both humans and animals alike, with several notable health hazards present that can impact all living creatures in a given structure. And while we often associate mold most closely with our plumbing areas in the home – natural due to its connection with moisture during formation – mold can also form in other areas of the heating and cooling system.

At Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, our plumbing and HVAC services include a full range of expertise on mold, mildew and related elements. We can help you identify and prevent mold in any area of your home, including when you fear it’s building up in some component of your HVAC system. Here are some signs that this might be happening, plus some strong prevention tactics to consider.

Spotting Mold in HVAC System

Mold can be detected in a few ways, but the simplest is the visual format. Mold is not invisible, and will make its presence known in many areas where moisture might be present within the HVAC system: Ducts, coils, drip pans, registers an others. Look for both mold and mold spores, which come in a variety of sizes and textures but are often black, blue, green or even orange.

In addition, you can use your sense of smell to pick up mold presence. Mold gives off a scent of mildew, one that’s pervasive and spreads easily. One good test: Turn your entire HVAC system off for 20-30 minutes, and see if the mildew smell remains. If it mostly dissipates during this time, that means the mold is in your ductwork or some other part of the system.

Preventing HVAC Mold

We help our clients address mold issues well before they ever crop up. Dealing with mold presence and remediation is a far greater hassle and money-waster than simply taking the right precautions before mold ever forms, precautions that include the following areas:

• Sealing: All your ducts and other HVAC components should be properly sealed so they don’t allow in moisture or other contaminants.
• Cleaning: HVAC equipment, ducts and registers should be cleaned and maintained regularly so they do not build up dust or other contaminants. In addition, drip pans should be cleaned regularly – these are often a hot bed for mold if they aren’t maintained.
• Filters: Your HVAC filters play a big role in catching some of the contaminants that might lead to or exacerbate mold growth.
• Moisture or condensation: If you regularly notice moisture or condensation on or inside your ducts, call our pros for assistance.

How Maintenance Helps

The best prevention method for mold? Regular maintenance of your HVAC system by our quality professionals. Our basic inspections and tuneups provide thorough cleaning and other services that help spot and prevent mold before it ever becomes even a moderate concern.

For more on preventing mold in your HVAC system, or to learn about any of our HVAC or plumbing services, speak to the pros at Expert Services- Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.