Mold in Air handlers is a pretty common occurrence in homes. It does not matter what the age of your unit is or how old your home is. Air handlers are responsible for circulating either cold air or hot air. Condensation builds up in the air handler regularly. If you see black stuff around your air handlers or air vents, have it inspected by Mold Air Duct Cleaning in Canton, GA. It will help you to decide what action to take next, depending on the type of mold. This article will guide you on how to remove mold in air handlers? However, you should also know how mold grows and spreads. It will help you to prevent mold in air handlers.
How does mold grow?
Mold needs two things to grow, which are dirt/dust and moisture. Air handlers spread hot or cold air through your home, which is why condensation builds up in it. As a result, moisture builds up, resulting in mold if it is not cleaned regularly. Mold is in almost every building and HVAC System because the environment is ideal for mold. However, you can control the mold by removing the environment in which it grows.
Tips to Remove Dirt and Dust
Annual System Tune-Up
Schedule a system tune-up every year by professional technicians. The tune-up helps to identify all the shortcomings of the system. There might be some components that you need to repair or replace. Identifying the problem before it causes any significant damage can help save you from costly repairs.
Replace Air Filters
The air filter accumulates dust over time. It stops airborne particles from entering your home’s airflow. Air Duct Sanitizing in Canton, GA, recommends that you should change your filter after three months. If the air filter is clogged with dust, the system loses efficiency, and it takes more power to spread the air through your home.
Do not close Air Vents.
Closing your air vents causes dust to build up. Closed air vents have airborne particles trapped inside. These particles keep accumulating over time which is why air vents should not be closed. However, you can close air ducts while cleaning them to prevent dust from flowing through the air vents.
Install an Air Purifier
Air purifier assists air filters in removing dust and airborne particles from the air. It also removes allergens and pollutants that regular air filters are not capable of removing.
Check for leaks
The air ducts can have leaks which can draw the dust inside the air ducts. The dusty air circulates your home and also builds up inside the air ducts. If you find any leaks in your air ducts, seal them as soon as possible.
Clean Air Ducts
You can use a vacuum to suck all the dust from the air ducts. Most household vacuums are not as powerful and efficient as industrial vacuums that professional technicians use. You can use dust cloths to remove the dust. The dust cloth attracts dust to the cloth. Throw the cloth once you are done.
Tips to Remove Moisture
Fix Water Leaks
Identify water leaks inside your air ducts. Fix these leaks and remove standing water, if any. Make sure that you drain the water efficiently from the system. Check if there are any leaks in the roof.
Dehumidifier
Install a dehumidifier near your air ducts. It reduces humidity from the air, which reduces the chances of condensation and moisture in air ducts.
Insulate the Air Ducts
Insulating the air ducts prevents the air ducts from condensation. Without condensation, the moisture will not accumulate in the air ducts. Another technique is to pass warm air through the ducts that you do not use.
Tips to Remove Mold in Air Handlers
Before you proceed to remove mold in air handlers, switch off your unit.
Find the Infected Duct
Inspect your unit to find the air ducts that have been infected with mold. Unscrew the vent and set it aside. Clean the vent with an EPA registered mold removal disinfectant. Keep the vent aside to dry.
Clean the Air Ducts
Inspect the air ducts to see if there is standing water present. Remove the standing water to clear the air ducts. Vacuum the inside of the air ducts to remove any dust and debris. Use the disinfectant with a spray bottle or a rag in the air ducts. Let the disinfectant sit for some time. Use a cleaning cloth to scrub the air ducts. Make sure the air ducts are spotless and dry after you finish. Throw out everything that has directly come in contact with mold.
Use Mold Inhibitor
After thoroughly cleaning the air ducts, use a mold inhibitor or mold control spray. This spray prevents mold and mildew from growing in your air ducts. It uses an invisible shield to prevent mold and mildew from regrowing on the surface.
Use UV Lights
Ultraviolet lights are also an efficient way to prevent mold from growing in air handlers and air ducts. It covers the area where it is installed and prevents mold from growing in that particular area. It is recommended to install it in the air handler, air ducts, or evaporator coil.
