Air conditioner mold can spread throughout the house every time you turn your air conditioner on and exposure to mold can lead to numerous health problems, including respiratory disorders and allergic reactions. Air conditioning mold needs to be removed as soon as possible, to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.This article deals with mold in central AC systems. If you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, follow the link for more information. Mold in your air conditioning system can lead to a wide range of illnesses. All types of mold can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to those substances, but some types of mold produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins which can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia and bleeding in the lungs. Mold found anywhere in the home can lead to health problems, but when mold is in the air conditioning system, it can be particularly problematic. Microscopic mold spores become airborne when air blows through the ducts and are dispersed throughout the home, where they are easily inhaled.

Babies and elderly people are most susceptible to mold-related illnesses, but even healthy young adults can get sick. Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and if you can prevent the development of mold in the first places, that’s much better than having to remove it later on. commercial room air purifierThe Air Conditioning Contractors of America website explains that keeping your air conditioning ducts free of dirt and other debris can reduce the likelihood of mold growth by making sure there is no organic matter in the ducts on which mold can feed. automobile air duct cleanerMold also needs water in order to grow and condensation inside air conditioning ducts often provides just enough moisture for mold to thrive. why air purifiers are bad

There should not be standing water inside your air conditioning ducts, though, and if there is, you need to have your system serviced. You should check your air conditioning ducts for mold if you have mold growing in other areas of your home or if you smell a musty odor in a room but don’t see mold anywhere. If you’re not sure if there is mold in your air conditioning ducts or not, you can have a certified mold tester come in and test for mold. He or she can check for mold in other areas of the home, too, since mold in your air conditioning system is easily spread to other areas of the home when you turn on your air conditioner. If mold is found in your ductwork, or elsewhere in the home, the mold tester will come back after the mold cleanup has been completed to make sure it has all been removed. To find certified mold testers near you, just follow the link. While some homeowners prefer to deal with a household mold problem on their own, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends calling in a professional if you have air conditioner mold.

It can be difficult to access all parts of the air conditioning ductwork, but professionals have the equipment needed to get the job done, including air whips or air skippers that drive dust, dirt, mold, and other debris toward collection devices fitted with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Professionals also know how to do the job correctly and safely, so that you and your loved ones aren’t exposed to harmful mold spores during the process of removing mold from your air conditioning ducts. Of course, they can assist you with removal of mold from other areas of the home, as well, if needed. Follow this link to find experienced mold removal specialists near you.Mold in HVAC - Additional information on what to do if you have mold in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems or duct work.Return From Air Conditioner Mold To Home Page Does Insurance Cover Mold Removal? Exercising With Allergic Asthma Asthma and Your Independent Teen Asthma Triggers Across the U.S.

Put Asthma to Sleep - So You Can Sleep Too Sign Up for Our Living with Asthma Newsletter Thanks for signing up! Sign up for more FREE Everyday Health newsletters. We respect your privacy. Get the dirt about air-duct cleaning and indoor air quality before you spend your money. Houston resident and asthma sufferer Melissa McDonald says she breathes easier after her home's annual air duct cleaning. "The air just smells better afterwards," she says. Despite McDonald’s reported improvement in indoor air quality, the scientific jury is still out regarding the effectiveness of air-duct cleanings and other types of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) cleanings in preventing asthma symptoms or improving health in general. In fact, some experts believe that you could end up spending between $400 and $1,100 on a cleaning, and not find it as helpful as other measures you could take to improve the indoor air quality of your home and control your asthma symptoms.

Indoor Air Quality: When Air Duct Cleaning May Help Ease Asthma Experts say that getting rid of mold, a common asthma attack trigger, is the best reason to get your ducts cleaned. “There may be cases when cleaning is necessary — if mold is visible on the ducts or in other areas of the HVAC system, if the system has been infested with mice, or if you notice large amounts of dust exiting the supply diffusers,” says Ted Myatt, ScD, senior scientist at Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc. in Needham, Mass. “Visible mold growth will only occur if there is moisture entering the duct/HVAC system in some way.” Keep these mold-related tips in mind if you’re considering air duct cleaning: Make sure the mold is cleaned out properly. Tempted by coupons or discounts for “per vent” air duct cleaning? Don’t be, says Felicia Rabito, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the department of Epidemiology at the Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, La. “You are cleaning your air ducts primarily to get rid of mold.

The mold is growing all inside of your ducts, so if you are having someone who is just coming to vacuum out your vents, that is not going to work,” she says. Consider replacing air ducts altogether. If your air ducts have a lot of mold, you should probably replace all the duct materials instead of going through with the cleaning, says Rabito.If the technician tells you there is mold in your air ducts or anywhere in your HVAC system, ask to see the mold and have the technician explain to you exactly how the moisture is getting in, says Myatt. “Obviously, there will be parts of the HVAC system that are not very accessible for a visual inspection, so if a duct-cleaning service tells a homeowner that there is mold growth, I would ask them to prove it by showing me how water is entering the system and possibly via microbiological sampling that includes an analysis of whether the mold is actively growing Take steps to prevent mold. To maintain good indoor air quality and keep your asthma symptoms in check, you will also have to find a way to prevent moisture from getting back into your ducts or air system.

Indoor Air Quality: If You Decide on a Cleaning Service If you feel that your indoor air quality will benefit from air duct cleaning or a comprehensive HVAC system cleaning, the Environmental Protection Agency advises the following: Avoid technicians who claim air system cleaning is linked to better health or that the EPA recommends regular air system cleanings (the EPA’s stand is only on an “as-needed basis”). Research any proposed chemical treatments before agreeing to them. Check references — ask other customers about the quality of the work and any changes in asthma or other respiratory conditions after the cleaning. Make sure the cleaning service complies with the National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association guidelines. Sign off on a written outline of the tasks to be performed and their costs before the job begins. Being informed about what can and can’t be addressed with an air duct cleaning will help you make the best choice to improve your indoor air quality.