AC Mold? Your Outdoor Cover May to Blame

Mold needs moisture and food to survive, leaving any of the surfaces in your home at risk. Mold in your AC unit is particularly hazardous since it can spread throughout the home quickly, causing health issues for members of your household. Here's a closer look at the dangers of mold and why the cover for your air conditioner may be the cause of mold growth. 

Why Mold in the AC Unit Is Dangerous

Mold produces several toxins harmful to respiratory systems and leads to a number of health problems. These health problems include the following:

• Worsen breathing Issues: When mold grows in your AC unit, it will produce spores that can become airborne and irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Those with asthma or chronic lung conditions are especially affected.
• Increase allergy symptoms: You may brush them off as seasonal allergies, but if you have any of the symptoms listed below, it’s possible mold is the root of the issue.
  • Itchy nose
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy throat
• Cause an Aspergillosis reaction: If you have a weakened immune system or lung disease, you will likely have an adverse reaction to a type of mold known as Aspergillus. Here are the different categories of aspergillosis that you might experience if exposed to Aspergillus in your home’s air and AC unit:
  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
  • Allergic aspergillus sinusitis
  • Aspergilloma or fungus ball
  • Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

While the health problems listed above are the main concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warn to watch out for these diseases and symptoms as well:

• Bronchitis
• Lower respiratory tract problems
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Mucous membrane irritation
• Fever

Due to the health issues caused by mold, it’s important to have your AC routinely inspected for it. If mold is allowed to grow in your AC, it can spread more easily as its spores could be carried through your ductwork and out your vents.

Should You Cover an Outdoor AC Unit? 

It should be no surprise that AC units built for the outdoors can stand up to the elements. While you might think you need to cover your compressor over the winter when you’re not using it, your compressor is designed to stand up to outdoor conditions all year long. For instance, compressors are constructed with sturdy metals made to sit outdoors and not need a cover. 

Covers can cause more harm than good as they trap moisture inside the unit. If your goal is to keep moisture out, this is not the way to do it. Over time, condensation and humidity will gather under the cover, and mold will grow. Then, when you turn the unit on, spores and other particles will begin circulating through your home, leading to numerous health issues.

Instead of covering your unit over the winter, regularly remove any sticks, debris, or dirt you notice on or near your compressor to avoid wear and tear. 

Signs of Mold in Your AC System

Once mold begins spreading, you won't be able to spot it with the naked eye. However, an HVAC professional can identify mold problems and present a viable solution. As you try to protect your home and AC system from mold, watch out for these top signs of mold in an AC unit:

• Health problems: If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier or asthma attacks become more frequent, consider having the AC system checked.
• Visible proof: Most often, people look for black mold, but it comes in other colors, including white, brown, red, gray, orange, green, and even purple. As it grows, its spores become visible, leaving evidence of a mold problem behind.
• Dank and musty odors: If there is a musty odor in the home when the AC unit is running and you can't locate the source, schedule an HVAC inspection to see if mold is causing the problem.

How to Clean AC Mold 

Cleaning mold is an unsafe task and should only be handled by professionals with the knowledge and equipment needed to eliminate the problem. Since they have access to mold inhibitors, they can use these chemical applications to stop the mold from forming and spreading. HVAC technicians also use professional-grade disinfectants to clean the ventilation system. With an HVAC technician cleaning your mold, you can expect any mold to be completely removed in the safest way possible.

Contact Big Air For AC Mold Removal in Concord

If you’re looking for AC mold removal services near you in Concord, CA, or the surrounding areas, turn to Big Air. AC mold can be a source of damage to your home and health, so why take the risk? With our HVAC inspections and tune-ups, you can rest easy knowing mold isn’t growing in your AC unit. We also offer Big Air Beyond, an annual maintenance service that provides regular AC inspections, savings on services, and priority scheduling. You can also review our coupons and financing options to ensure any service we provide fits your budget. 

Learn more about our AC maintenance and air quality services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 925-687-7942.