Can mold grow in my HVAC system?
Can mold grow in my air conditioner or heater?
Yes.
Mold will always be present in the air and on surfaces in your Louisiana home. And because mold is normally found within your household dust, it can and usually does work its way into and throughout your HVAC system.
It is not normal or acceptable for visible mold growth to be present on the interior of your system or the interior of your ductwork. This is almost always the result of elevated humidity levels in the home or some other moisture problem in or around the air handler or ductwork. So, while there is never a truly “mold-free” home, visible mold and moisture control are the key to a healthy HVAC system.
What does HVAC stand for?
Your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems is what creates and moves hot and cold air throughout your home. The HVAC system can consist of many components but in most Louisiana homes includes the heating unit, (or furnace); the air conditioning unit; the ductwork; and the air handler which houses these components along with the blower fan and other special equipment. Other components or equipment within an HVAC system can include alternative heating fixtures, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air exchangers or filtration or cleaning units.
Maintaining your HVAC system is crucial to maintaining comfort and safety in your home. Failing to change or use the correct filter for the air handler unit, allowing coolant levels to run low or failure to check for gas leaks or other problems can create some serious health issues or poor indoor air quality.
How to prevent mold in your HVAC system
- Maintain your humidifier if you have one – While not all HVAC systems include a humidifier, when installed they can help to make the home more comfortable in cooler months by adding moisture into the air and adding moisture to dry air in the winter. At DryMax, we rarely recommend the use of humidifiers. They are just not necessary in humid areas like Louisiana. But if you must use one, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for indoor humidity levels based on the current outdoor temperatures or select a unit that monitors the outside temperature and makes this adjustment for you. It is vital that a humidifier is maintained annually and checked periodically for proper operation. If humidity levels in the home exceed where you have set them or if there is condensation forming on your windows, turn off the water to the unit immediately or call someone for immediate service. Many large scale mold problems in air handlers and ductwork are the results of a malfunctioning humidifier.
- Change your filters regularly – Set a filter change reminder – and follow it! A dirty HVAC system is much more likely to have mold growth than a clean, well maintained one. Keeping a high quality, allergen-type filter in your air handler keeps both the interior of the unit clean as well as all the air passing through the ductwork in the home. Most one inch filters need to be changed every three months while wider filters can be changed every six to twelve – but consult with your HVAC professional before changing to a different filter. More frequent filter changes won’t hurt, so, if you find your filter becomes dirty more rapidly, change it more frequently. There is little that improves indoor air quality better than a good furnace filter.
- Duct Cleaning – Most Louisiana homes should have their ducts cleaned every 2-3 years. If you have conditions that could create more dirt, dust and debris (pets, children, etc) – then consider having them cleaned yearly.
- The size of your HVAC system matters- Make sure you have the right-sized air conditioning unit. Undersized units may work tirelessly to achieve the desired temperatures in your home and lead to hot and cold spots as the system struggles to stay ahead. Oversized units cool the air too quickly and don’t operate for long enough cycles to pull enough moisture out of the air on humid days. We see this every week here at DryMax- and considering humidity is the number one cause of mold in Louisiana, having a correctly-sized HVAC system is mandatory.
To learn more about DryMax's mold inspection & remediation services in your area, call 337-446-2042 today!
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DryMax Mold Blogs
Preventing Mold in Louisiana: A Homeowners Guide to Healthy Living
Mold Damage and Insurance Coverage in Louisiana When it comes to homeowners insurance in Louisiana, coverage for mold damage hinges on the source of the mold and the specific provisions in the insurance policy. For instance, mold removal is typically covered when the source of the mold is a peril already covered in homeowners insurance policies in Louisiana, such as water damage from burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances. However, it's important to note that mold damage from natural disasters or homeowner negligence is usually not covered by homeowners insurance in Louisiana. An example of this is when a homeowner experiences water damage from a burst pipe, and this leads to mold growth in their home. In this scenario, the mold removal would likely be covered because the source of the mold (water damage) is a peril already covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy in Louisiana. On the other hand, if the mold is a result of long-term neglect of a leaking pipe, it may not be covered under the policy. Some homeowners insurance companies have gone as far as dropping coverage for mold altogether in Louisiana, making it crucial for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policies and seek professional advice to ensure they fully understand their coverage. This underscores the significance of homeowners being proactive in understanding the extent of their coverage and taking steps to prevent mold growth in their properties. Understanding the nuances of mold damage coverage under homeowners insurance in Louisiana is essential for homeowners in safeguarding their properties. It's imperative to review insurance policies diligently and seek professional help if facing a mold damage claim , especially in cases where claims have been denied or underpaid based on mold exclusions.
The Mold Menace: How Mold Infestation Can Diminish Property Values in Louisiana The article explores the impact of mold on property values in Louisiana, discussing how mold can cause structural damage, health issues, and decrease the desirability of properties, while also providing tips for prevention and remediation. Understanding Mold and Its Effects on Property Values Mold's impact on property values in the Louisiana real estate market is multifaceted and can have significant repercussions for both buyers and sellers. When mold infestation occurs, it can result in a myriad of issues that affect the value of a property. From causing structural damage to diminishing aesthetic appeal, increasing maintenance costs, and impacting market desirability, the presence of mold can lead to a decrease in property value. For example, the discovery of mold in a home can lead to potential buyers negotiating for a lower price to account for the costs of addressing the mold issue and the perceived decrease in the property's value. The potential health implications of mold infestation are a pivotal factor in understanding its impact on property values. Long-term exposure to mold can lead to persistent sinusitis, respiratory infections, and even brain disorders, affecting the desirability and value of a property. For instance, if a property has a history of mold infestation leading to health issues for previous occupants, it can significantly reduce its appeal and market value, as potential buyers may be deterred by the health risks associated with mold exposure.
