Did you sense any musty smell when you turn on your heating and cooling system? It might be an indication of mold growth in your unit. Mold is not only unpleasant but very hazardous to health. Your indoor air quality will be destroyed. If you try DIY cleaning methods or call an expert for the job, you might be concerned about one thing. Will mold cleaning remove the smell?
How to Get Rid of Mold?
You should know that the leading cause of odor in your HVAC system is mildew. It usually grows in damp areas. And your AC system is usually damp due to the condensation process. While this can be a severe problem, the great news is that there is a simple way to clean it and remove unpleasant odors.
Before you start mold cleaning, just turn off the system and wear a protection kit. Here are a few simple tips to remove mold odor from your HVAC unit:
Cleaning Coils and Spraying Fungistat
You must know that coils are a significant part of the system. It is the place where the air cools down. Ignoring the cleaning of coils may cause excessive moisture and mold development. So, you should regularly clean the coil and spray them with Fungistat to avoid mold growth. It will remove the foul odor.
Examine Condensate Pumps and Clean it with Biocide
While cleaning the coils, you should also examine the condensate pump and pan. If water accumulates in the pan, it can lead to mold and bacterial growth. If you ignore the cleaning, your system might break down. Using a biocide and Fungistat can help remove the bad smell.
Ductwork Cleaning and Treating it with Fungistat
When cleaning your system, you must check your ductwork. If there is mold growth, you should clean it with an EPA-approved disinfectant and then treat it with Fungistat.
Inspect Returns and Clean Debris
Returns are part of the HVAC system, which draws air from within your home. So, you must check the returns for mold development. If mold is present, call Mold Air Duct Cleaning in Alpharetta to identify the reason for too much humidity in the system. If there is any leakage, they will immediately treat it and save your system from significant damages. Make sure that they clean it with an EPA-approved disinfectant and apply Fungistat.
Spray an Odor Eliminator in Your System
After you are done with system cleaning, spray it with a FreshDuct odor eliminator. You should specifically spray the coils, drain pans, ductwork, and air returns. Using this will give you incredible results.
DIY Odor Control in HVAC
You can dust baking soda in your air ducts to get rid of the foul odor. When baking soda comes in contact with invasive air particles, it will remove them. So, you should dust the soda on the maximum surface area.
Duct Filter Pad
You should install duct filter pads in your outlets as they can effectively control the unpleasant odor caused due to mold. You can easily find these hypoallergenic filter pads in any home store nearby. These are available in many sizes and easily fit vertical and horizontal ducts.
To install a duct filter pad, you need to unscrew your vent covers and insert the pad into the grill. Fix the cover again and allow the pad to filter all harmful particles and smells.
Hence, following these steps will purify indoor air and make it fragrant. Using chemicals that are not approved by EPA will wipe out any health danger.
When Should You Hire a Professional for HVAC Cleaning?
If the tips mentioned above and tricks do not show desired results, you should try a thorough cleaning of your air ducts. Suppose you observe that the smell’s source is pest infestation instead of mold. In that case, you should immediately call HVAC Cleaning in Alpharetta for professional assistance.
You must take a professional’s help for HVAC cleaning if:
- You observe visible mold growth in the hard duct surfaces or other HVAC components.
- Pests or vermin are living in the ducts. These can be either dead or alive. You must know that it is an alarming issue as it can lead to severe health conditions.
- Your system is clogged with dust and debris. Excessive dust coming out from the system indicates air duct blockage.
- If you cannot access various segments of your HVAC unit or air ducts.
- A ductwork leakage that might be indicated by a water flow needs a professional to repair the problem.
You will have to see the type of HVAC ductwork to determine the best-fit cleaning method. Hence, it is essential to first know the type of material your ductwork. Generally, the ductworks are made of sheet metal, fiber-glass, and fiberboard. Some flexible ductworks are also manufactured of wire coils and insulated with plastic. Moreover, your ductwork material can be a combination of all the materials. So, it is crucial to identify the ductwork material before choosing the cleaning method. A professional might be able to decide better.
How to Find the Best HVAC Services?
Are you thinking of hiring an expert for HVAC inspection and maintenance? You must conduct thorough research before you hire someone. The best approach is to shortlist credible service providers and contact them. You should discuss rates, service time, certifications, years of service, qualifications, equipment, and chemicals they use. Consider at least three companies while researching. Asking for referrals is another good way.
Consider a few essential things before you make a decision:
- Avoid companies that make sweeping claims about their services.
- Never hire a company that recommends regular cleaning as part of good HVAC maintenance.
- Some companies may tell you that they are certified by EPA. You must know that EPA is not concerned with duct cleaning standards or service providers.
- A ductwork cleaning service under $100 might not include all ducts of your home. A standard company demands at least $150 for all ductworks.
- Always request for before and after pictures of your system.
- Ask for state licenses if you doubt the company’s reputation.
- Never allow companies to use sealants unless no other technique is possible.