How to Prevent Mold in HVAC Systems
Having mold in your home can cause many issues for both you and your property. Not only is it unsightly, but mold can also have a serious impact on your health and the health of your family.
If you have excess moisture in your HVAC system, both mold and mildew can grow inside your HVAC system and ductwork if you don’t sort out your moisture problem right away.
To prevent mold from growing in your home’s HVAC, we’ve developed this useful guide on mold prevention in HVAC systems.
What causes mold in HVAC systems?
The leading causes behind mold growth in your system are down to the level of humidity and condensation present and having poor ventilation in your system.
Let’s take a look at the causes of mold in HVAC systems in more detail.
High humidity levels
Having high humidity levels in your home is the biggest cause of mold growth.
It's more prevalent during the summer months, but moisture issues can be seen all year round. Moisture can build up thanks to the humidity caused by showers, baths, washing machines, and other appliances.
Condensation build-up
When your HVAC unit is running, your system will form condensation through the air ducts. This is caused by the moisture in the air and the cooling process of your HVAC unit.
Usually, condensation built up here drains away from your home through the condensate drain pan and the condensate lines. However, if the system malfunctions or even a clog were to happen, moisture can’t escape, and your system will back up.
Not enough ventilation
If your home has poor ventilation, then pockets of stagnant and moist air can form inside your home. Steam or evaporating water creates a lot of humidity. If it can’t circulate out because of the poor ventilation, it can cause a range of mold- and mildew-related issues.
How to prevent mold from growing in your HVAC system
Having a lot of humidity inside your home, along with mold growth, impacts your home air quality.
Here are six mold prevention methods to help you avoid developing a mold problem in your HVAC system.
1. Maintain your drain pans
Try and clean your drain pans regularly. Standing water often builds up in the drain pans because it can’t drain through the deep seal trap. The water and the microbes in the drain pan cause a lot of different types of mold to grow in your HVAC system.
2. Remember to replace your air filters
If your air filters are dirty, or worse damp, then they’re not going to do their job properly. They won’t be able to trap mold spores and other contaminants and prevent them from entering your home. Mold particles can get into your HVAC system if you don’t change the filters at least once a month.
3. Get an HVAC mold inhibitor
Mold inhibitors can prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your HVAC system. The inhibitor should be applied to all the parts of your unit to help prevent mold infiltration. Don’t forget to treat your HVAC unit with disinfectant before applying your mold inhibitor.
4. Keep your air ducts dry
Your HVAC system’s ducts can hold a whole load of moisture and mold without you even knowing. Have your HVAC system checked to see if any of your ducts are affected. The best solution for this is to clean or fix any ducts you can and replace any water damage components.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
The battle against humidity can be a constant war, which is why buying a whole-home dehumidifier is the perfect battle tactic. Dehumidifiers are the ultimate weapon against excess moisture and can help prevent any mold from creeping into your home.
Small portable dehumidifiers can only take out the humidity in one area. Still, a whole-home unit works with your HVAC system to help control the moisture throughout your entire home.
6. Get an ultraviolet air cleaner
Ultraviolet air cleaners strip your HVAC system of mold before it gets a chance to circulate anywhere in your home. This creates clean, pure air for you and your family to breathe in. The air cleaner works directly with your system or ducts and uses ultraviolet light to neutralize any mold spores and prevents them from regrowing in the future.
Maintaining your HVAC system is the key to preventing mold
Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t just keep it running smoothly throughout the year. It also helps prevent the build-up of mold.
Schedule seasonal maintenance tune-ups and regular HVAC maintenance from a certified technician to keep your system clean. This will help your system have optimum control over the moisture level in your home.