Many modern homes come with amazing amenities, such as pre-installed climate control. The most popular choice are the so called HVAC, standing for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning devices. They offer the full range of control over the conditions in your home. However, what you may not know is that improper care of these devices can make them a hotbed for mold growth. If you are unsure about your HVAC, find someone to conduct a mold inspection in Orange County for you.
Conditions for mold growth
There are only a few conditions mold needs; moisture, a suitable range of temperatures and an organic material (such as house dust) to feed on. If you consider your HVAC system, this is exactly what it provides. The temperatures suitable for mold growth correspond to those we enjoy, the moisture is drawn out of the air in the house through the HVAC, and so is the house dust.
How to avoid this problem?
Even though it seems like HVAC system might be a bad idea, it is actually not that serious. It takes a long time for these conditions to become suitable enough for mold growth, so the only thing you need to do to keep the mold at bay is to regularly maintain your HVAC system. There are actually several things you can do with the HVAC, not only to keep the mold away but to ensure that your system has a longer life.
Drain pans
The pans where water is drained and deposited need to be in a sloped position. That way, the water can slowly drain into the deep seal. If the drain pans are not in the proper position or are too full (due to excess air moisture), they can overflow, or water can collect around the pans. The stagnant water promotes bacteria growth, which is the ideal food for mold. Maintain these often enough and make sure no water is collected around or under the pans.
Replace air filters
With any air conditioning system, this is the key maintenance task. If the filters are already too dirty or too wet, they won’t do a very good job. In most HVAC filters need to be replaced monthly. This may seem a bit tedious, but it is your first line of defense, not only against mold but against other allergens as well.
Keep your ducts dry
If you know that your area is wetter than average, make sure that the ducts of your HVAC unit are not too moist and that there is no condensation, since mold grows particularly well in moisture and away from sight. If you detect excess water, clean those parts and have them replaced if necessary.
Use a mold inhibitor or a disinfectant
There are EPA approved mold inhibitors designed for use in HVAC systems. Apply them per instructions and you will make your maintenance work a whole lot easier. Disinfectants are useful as well. They probably work best in combination. Make sure that you get the product designed to work in HVAC systems.
Check your air intake
Where your air intake is can be important. If the area is rich in organic matter, you are practically inviting mold to grow. You can fix this by moving anything organic away from the intake vents.
If you are unsure about your ducts, or you haven’t been maintaining your HVAC particularly well, you might need mold inspection. Mold inspection in Orange County is performed by trained professionals. Here at Emergency Home Solutions, we offer both mold inspection and mold remediation if we happen to encounter mold. Contact today for more information.