Tips For Preventing Mold In HVAC Systems

As homeowners in the Palm Springs area, most of us use our air conditioning units during most hours from May - September.  AC units are a God-send during our hot months, but they can also be a breeding ground for mold. Mold can easily grow in an environments that are rich in moisture and organic material, and with temperatures between 32 and 120 degrees. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can provide such conditions unless you take steps to prevent moisture and mold  from accumulating in the system. Here are some tips to help prevent mold in your HVAC system:

• Replace air filters regularly - Wet and dirty air filters are inefficient at trapping mold spores and other contaminants. These particles will contaminate your HVAC system if you don’t change the filters on a regular basis, usually once a month.

    

• Keep ducts dry -  Some ducts in the HVAC system may harbor larger amounts of moisture and mold. Have your HVAC system checked to find which ducts are the most affected. Clean and fix ducts and replace water-damaged components.

 

• Maintain the drain pans - If the drain pans are not sloped and cleaned regularly, standing water won’t be able to drain through the deep seal trap and will accumulate in the drain pans. The water and microbes in the drain pans will result in mold growth.

 

• Apply an HVAC mold inhibitor - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered, HVAC-approved mold inhibitors can prevent mold and mildew growth in your HVAC system. The inhibitor should be applied to all the components of your heating and cooling unit following the manufacturer’s instructions.

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• Use a disinfectant - Before applying the mold inhibitor to your HVAC system, you need to treat it with a disinfectant first. Look for an EPA-approved disinfectant that is labeled for use in HVAC systems.

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Evaluating, protecting and restoring your home after mold damage is our specialty. Our restoration pros can help protect your family from mold damage. If you have (or suspect you may have) mold in your home, call us today at (760) 844-2326 to receive a free estimate. You can Trust in the King!
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