Mold Growing In Your HVAC?
The reason mold growing in your HVAC is a common complaint is because mold is always present. Mold is sneaky – it can grow and proliferate and make building occupants sick without ever being seen. The fastest way to spread mold is through a forced-air HVAC system. There is definitely more mold in humid weather and less in dry weather, but there is always mold. You will never get rid of it completely, but you can control it. All it needs to grow is moisture and food. Take those away and the mold goes away.
According to EPA, you should routinely inspect your system for not just mold, but also moisture. Be sure to look at the drain and condensate pans to make sure they are draining properly or you will have mold growing in your HVAC. If those drains are clogged or plugged, the moisture that accumulates will be a mold factory. Also make sure that components such as air handlers, blowers, etc. are free of moisture.
If you still have mold growing in your HVAC, follow these handy tips for cleaning it up:
- Turn off your HVAC
- Everyone involved in the cleaning should wear an N-95 respirator
- Replace anything porous – filters – insulation that is wet – and double bag waste using at least 6-mil plastic bags or thicker
- Use wet vacuums to remove any standing water
- Use an EPA registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces such as ducts, coils, pans, etc.
- As an added measure, isolate each section of ductwork so the spores you stir up during cleaning don’t spread to other parts – fog the area with an EPA registered disinfectant
- Apply a mold and mildew inhibitor to all components to keep mold from growing in your HVAC – this must be EPA registered and for use in HVAC systems to limit risk of using the wrong chemicals
- As a final step, vacuum with a HEPA filter anything that was cleaned up
As you can see, mold growing in your HVAC is a common complaint, but easily fixed!