Do you suspect your AC unit is making your family or employees ill? Do you find irritation and headaches when the AC goes on? Because if so, you could be damaging your health by using a mold-infested HVAC system.
Mold is an invisible assassin, that can cause illness without even being seen. As such, it is important you have a system that is regularly maintained to keep it at bay. If you suspect mold in HVAC systems in your property, read on to find our must-know guide on possible signs and how to combat them.
1. Odors
The most obvious sign of mold in your HVAC system is the smell. If you have ever experienced the smell of damp, it is mildew-like, a musty scent that would find in a basement or attic.
If you experience this in a room or throughout your corridors, you may have developed mold in your system. In the hot Fort Myers climate, the smell will move fast, so contact a professional immediately.
2. Illness
One of the most common signs that you have mold in your HVAC system is an illness in occupants of the building. In fact, mold can proliferate without many people even realizing it until they fall ill.
Less serious dangers of mold in an HVAC system can be irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat. If you feel this when you step into a room that has AC, or it starts when you turn the AC on, this is the effect of mold. You may also start to have headaches that suddenly cease when you step outside.
When you are at home, you may start to feel more serious symptoms. Nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are symptoms of mold in your system, though they are common in a number of ailments so always check with a doctor. Allergic reactions like rashes, watering eyes, or a runny nose can also be a cause of many problems, one of which may be mold in the system.
3. Visible Signs
In some instances, you may even be able to see the mold forming. This will usually be apparent around the air ducts, drip pans, and intake vents. If you have mold on the entrances and exits, it is likely that it is also inside the system.
How to Remove Mold in HVAC Systems
To some extent, mold will always be present in a building and an HVAC system. It is only when it proliferates and interferes with health and air quality that it becomes a problem. As such, you will never be able to fully remove the mold, but you can cut it back and manage it.
The first step is to turn off the heating and cooling vents. Make sure you have a respirator for safety and are wearing it securely. Then you must reach the areas that have mold, and begin to scrub using a brush or wet cloth.
When you have finished cleaning mold in an HVAC system, you should replace anything porous that has become wet or mold-covered. Dispose of it in tight, tied trash bags. You should also dispose of brushes and rags in this manner, or call a professional Fort Myers company to do the job and dispose of it for you.
Call a Professional
Of course, many of these areas will be hard to reach. It may be beneficial to call a professional in this case. They will also be able to add mold and mildew inhibitors, seal ductwork to prevent contamination during cleaning, and use specialist mold removal cleaning products.
Ellsworth’s has a range of professional AC services for both residential and commercial properties in the Fort Myers area. We can clean and maintain your system, removing mold in HVAC systems, and ensuring the health and safety of your family and employees. If you suspect you have mold it is imperative for your health that you click here, contact us, and have it removed quickly, safely, and efficiently.