how to prevent mold in window air conditioner

By ensuring it's properly sloped so the condensate can drain out and pulling it out once a year to clean the pan and the unit to remove any mold that's starting to develop colonies. Pet dander can seriously contribute to the formation of dust. People who use window air conditioners can also use filters that have been specially designed to prevent the air conditioning system from sucking in mold spores from outside the home. Mold appears as a result of a damp environment, so any place that’s subjected to excessive moisture is at risk.Check out and follow these tips for preventing mold in your AC. Mold in window air conditioner units is a serious problem because every time you turn on your air conditioner, it will blow tiny, invisible mold spores into the room. Killing mold on an A/C unit is not as difficult as you might think. Why would you want this feature? Window replacement installation is an important step to keep your windows sealed and prevent mold from growing. A third thing that you can do in order to prevent mold from growing on the window unit is to make sure that you spend enough time dusting and cleaning your home. Even if you are skeptical as to whether or not mold is truly bad, there is no doubt that it can potentially cause harmful health effects. This type of environment is perfect for the growth of mold. how do I prevent mold in window air conditioner? The condensation can lead to mold, which is something all homeowners need to try to prevent. After dragging our window AC out of storage, I noticed that it was full of mold. So many of us make the mistake of assuming the air conditioning system is up and ready to go without having to do anything after a long winter. Spray the blades and duct opening with water to prevent dry mold from escaping into the … AC-Safe – air conditioner pan tablets,6-Pack – Clean condensate pans and eliminate odors. Mold is a dreaded problem no homeowner wants to face. I just bought a replacement air conditioner. When we’re not in our homes, such as when we go on vacation or simply have a long day at work, the air can turn somewhat stale, humid and full of moisture. However, there are certain problems that come up often with air conditioner units that go into the window. The contrast in air temperatures will cause condensation to form. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote today! This will prevent the particles in the air conditioner, and the warm air from growing mold and mildew.You should also use an air conditioner weather seal or plastic to cover the exterior of the AC to prevent heat loss and cold air … Use in refrigerators, air conditioners, How to Prevent Mold in Window Air Conditioners. This feature means that the unit can turn on and off by itself. Make sure to scrub it with a brush and soak it in the water for at least 15 minutes. You can also consider purchasing a whole house dehumidifier. Did you know that the first air conditioner was made to dry ink and keep paper straight in a printing press room? It was that moment that I learned a very valuable lesson the hard way. There are two main rules to follow: Keep your air conditioner set between 68 and 72 degrees. Not only will they look for mold but they will look for any signs of water. If you see any mold, you’ll want to wipe it down. Moisture and mold go together like Camelback Mountain and hiking. Instead of buying a new one, I decided to see if I can clean it. Window unit: By the time you see small mold spots forming on the air direction vanes or grate of your window air conditioner, it is probably too late. Question: In the process of selling my home, the buyers requested a home inspection. Illnesses Related to AC Mold . How to Prevent Mold In Your Window Air Conditioner. 1). Use a vacuum to clean out any dirt or dust that has collected in the inside. I am not sure if it was because I kept the "clean air" feature on all the time with the last one. However, due to humidity and the fact that their interiors provide a dim, cool environment, mold can begin to grow within your window air conditioning unit over time. Relevance. So I don't want it to happen to this one. To eradicate this problem, thoroughly clean your window air conditioner. A wet, humid environment encourages mold to grow and to spread. If you have a window unit, make sure you change the filter regularly. Your air conditioner controls the humidity in your home. First, it's difficult to clean those window units adequately and in fact, it's usually cheaper to just buy a new air conditioner. That is not the case with central air conditioning, however. The HVAC component was designed to wick away moisture, and in turn, prevent mold growth. Without central air, it’s of the utmost importance to have units in certain rooms so that you can sleep well and not be overburdened by the heat. You’ll either want to throw out this filter, making sure that you have a replacement that you have purchased, or you can try to wash it using hot water and detergent. Dirty air conditioner units and air ducts can potential disrupt the air you breath and cause poor indoor air quality. This narrows the focus of inspection, cleaning or replacement. The mold you see is just the tip of the iceberg. Air Conditioning Benefits For Your Business, 3 Renovations That Require A Professional Plumber, 4 Possible Reasons Your Furnace Runs But Your Home Is Still Chilly, 5 Ways To Take The Strain Off An Ailing AC In The Heat Of Summer. Window air conditioners provide climate control to a single room within a house or apartment. What Makes Commercial AC Services Different Than Residential AC? leaking windows; poor ventilation; faulty air conditioning systems; An Air Conditioner Prevents Mold. Mold is unsightly, unwanted and potentially dangerous. If you leave your air conditioner off, especially for more than a day, humidity can begin to build within the unit and your home, leading to mold growth. To keep window A/C units clean, run it constantly and perform (or schedule) regular maintenance like dusting and clearing water. and wondering if it is okay to run th AC when it rains, Thanks. Clean your air conditioner thoroughly before you cover it. In this article, we will discuss how to prevent mold and how your secret weapon in combatting mold growth in your home might surprise you – it isn’t bleach or 409 – it’s your air conditioner! Blog. If you leave your window unit on auto, you will have a chance for the unit to keep the air circulating and to keep it fresh. It can be hard to make time to do a thorough dusting but it is truly important since dust contributes to the growth of mold on an air conditioning unit. You can then make a mixture of bleach, dish soap, and hot water. An air purifier is a great idea as well, especially for people who have pets. My last one had black mold, I cleaned but it just kept coming back. Leaving the air conditioning running in your home will not only cool your home, it will help remove moisture from the air and help circulate and filter the air. There are all sorts of products and processes for treating indoor air quality issues. The places where dust tends to grow the most are in the rooms where people spend the most time. How to clean mold from the air conditioner. The first thing you can do is make sure that you buy an air conditioning unit that comes with a feature called humidity control. A well-designed and maintained air conditioner should prevent any mold growth. Here’s how you can stop mold from growing in your air conditioner. Afterward, rinse it with water and a damp cloth. Well, I know because I broke my air conditioning unit trying to use it without even looking at it before starring it up for the first time. You can also use this to clean the front grill if you noticed mold there. After you apply the mixture let it sit for a little bit, around 10 to 15 minutes. What to Put in a Humidifier to Prevent Mold. With some easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can take care of most mold problems in your AC unit. If you see mold and you wipe it up, it will usually come right off. Mold grows when extra moisture exists and is left uncleaned. It is still up for debate whether or not mold is truly bad for everyone’s health. Removing black mold can be a challenge, and is very time-consuming. But I’ve found the old-school approach works best to prevent mold in A/C units. However, units that are badly designed or not maintained regularly will encourage mold to grow. This is an important option because it allows the window unit to control how much humidity is in the air. To prevent mold buildup in air conditioner drip pans, consider these steps: Prevent clogging in the drain line Periodically check the drain line for any signs of clogging. Humidity is one of the main factors that go into the growth of mold. The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you have the proper attire. Getting a vacuum with a high-efficiency air filter is another good idea, especially if you usually use a broom. Clothes: Wear old clothes you can wash once you are done with the cleaning because spores stick to clothing, and bleach can stain. After that, it won’t take long before it begins to spread to other areas of the home. Generally, your window air conditioner should complete this task with no major issues. Beware of carpets since they make perfect breeding grounds for dust. Install filters on air-conditioning units and windows. Mold spreads and grows easily and before you know it, you can have mold growing throughout the room. How To Prevent Mold In A Window Air Conditioner. Answer Save. You may also like: Best Air Purifier for Mold Spores. 2 Answers. All windows and doors should be kept closed on hot, humid days, especially if you have your air conditioner running. If you dust or vacuum away dust, dirt, pollen and other organic materials, you can “starve” any mold that begins growing. Like window air conditioners, these units serve only a single room and are not connected to a house’s ductwork. How To Prevent Mold In Your Window Air Conditioner. Remove Dust: Mold feeds on dust and dirt. It makes you question the cleanliness of that person. Make sure it is completely dry before you plug it back in. The exposure of mold can cause mold in air conditioner health risks, such as allergic reactions and respiratory disorders. If mold spores in the air aren’t being caused by mold growth in the house, they are likely coming in from outside. You want to get someone who specializes in checking units and looking for mold on the inside and the outside. It's a good idea every few months (or more often, depending on your climate and usage), to open up your window air conditioning unit and wipe down the surfaces inside. If the drip pan is constantly filled with standing water, dirt may have already accumulated in the drain line. Simply unscrew the screen on the inside of the unit, and use a paper towel with a commercial cleaner or warm water and soap to wipe away any dirt or signs of mold growth to prevent an infestation from developing. Preventing Mold Growth in Air Conditioners. Like we mentioned previously, mold loves condensation. Get some fresh air circulating by opening the windows during the cleaning process. When dust gets inside the cooling fins and becomes damp, mold forms overtime. Mold in central air conditioners. In addition, mold is truly unsightly for any homeowner. Here are some additional tips on how to prevent mold in a window air conditioner. Make sure that you have face masks and some glasses and protection for your clothing. Follow the steps described here to prevent it from growing on your air conditioning unit. Preventing mold in a humidifier also requires proper disinfecting. Remove the front grill and then remove the air filter. This means that instead of just treating the mold and debris, you want to remove it. On hot summer days, we all need an air conditioner unit or two in our homes to keep us cool. This is the key to cracking the problem. However, cleaning out the unit to ensure that the mold is dead is slightly more difficult. It will make your home a healthier and more inviting place to live. You can do this in several ways: by opening the windows to allow more ventilation into your home, by turning on your moisture control setting on your air conditioning unit, or by installing a portable dehumidifier within your home to reduce the overall amount of moisture in the air. Unfortunately, oftentimes, this isn't the case. Another key way of preventing mold from growing in your window air conditioner is the regular removal of dust, both from the unit and from your home. All types of mold can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to those substances, but some types of mold produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. A mold inhibitor will go a long way towards helping you avoid mold buildup. Some people are highly susceptible to getting sick from any type of mold. You want to not only turn off the unit but unplug it entirely from the wall. Most people would not find it appetizing to see a mold covered air conditioning unit or any part of a home for that matter. Favorite Answer. You can clean out the air filter by sliding it out of the casing, which is usually clearly marked on your unit and requires no special tools to remove. Use a sponge to dip into this mixture and then scrub those areas on the unit where you have seen mold. Use caulk and weatherstripping as appropriate to seal these cracks. Dust develops from shed skin particles, hair, dirt, etc. Avoid Moisture Like The Plague. There will be a metal cover behind that front grill. Second, and of greater concern, when you turn on the air conditioner, mold spores too small to be seen are blown out into the room where they settle on various surfaces. If you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, follow the link for more information. Another thing that you can do to prevent mold from growing on your window air conditioning unit is to get one that has an auto feature. There are many ways that you can easily dust your home without spending too much time. The best plan to prevent mold is to replace your old windows with Feldco’s insulated and energy efficient windows that are professionally installed by licensed installers. Another idea is to always take off shoes and leave them at the front door. So instead of asking how do you prevent mold, try to change your expectations and instead ask how do you reduce mold to healthier levels. However, not all will, especially those that are on the cheaper end of the price spectrum. Mold in your air conditioning system can lead to a wide range of illnesses. Making sure that your window air conditioner is running fairly regularly ensures that it receives a proper amount of ventilation. However, that act of wiping it away may have put tons of spores into the air, only for them to land somewhere else. Any suggestions? Do not allow the humidity in your house to be over 50%. Make sure to regularly vacuum your home, and clean out the air filter within your air conditioner to ensure that dust does not build up within your unit. Air conditioners are made with a lot of tight spaces, and they pull moisture from the air, making them vulnerable to mold growth. The problem with mold is that it comes from tiny spores. Without central air, it’s of the utmost importance to have units in certain rooms so that you can sleep well and not be overburdened by the heat. However, as permanently installed fixtures, they may be harder to deal with than free-standing or window-based AC units. Mold spores and other air contaminants can also come in through tiny cracks around your windows, doors, baseboards, vent fans, pipe and wiring entry points, and many other places. However, due to humidity and the fact that their interiors provide a dim, cool environment, mold can begin to grow within your window air conditioning unit over time. If you follow these rules, it should prevent mold from growing in the house. This can cause a number of health problems, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. Windows: Spores and bleach fumes can be harsh when working in a small confined space. Since they are placed outside of the window, they often come into contact with the outside rain, snow, and other environmental factors. The air movement that occurs when the unit is running helps prevent mold growth. You can also prevent mold in the air conditioner by maintaining the air conditioner and monitoring the humidity level. On hot summer days, we all need an air conditioner unit or two in our homes to keep us cool. Since most mold in air conditioners grows on damp dirt and dust that has collected in the unit, you must be sure to remove all dust particles from the area. Unscrew it and lift it upwards. All Rights Reserved. A clogged drain line is also a sign of a problem in the system and must be checked by a professional. Window air conditioners provide climate control to a single room within a house or apartment. Generally, the process involves taking apart your AC system to vacuum and clean the system using powerful agents. The air conditioning unit as a place for mold to grow is even more dangerous because it is constantly blowing cold air out of it and spreading those spores all over. In order to prevent this, you should always have your air conditioner left on the "auto" mode, even if you're not at home, as this will allow air to flow through the unit and prevent mold from taking root. How To Remove Mold From Air Conditioner Ducts. Lv 5. Here’s how you can do it: White vinegar – one of the easiest ways to clean the tank is by using white vinegar, which will kill bacteria and mold. Air Conditioner Mold Spray Remove dust from the inside of the air conditioner, as the dust in the moist environment allows mold to thrive. Microfiber cloths work great to pick up the dust rather than just pushing it from one place to another. Some doctors feel that it is dangerous for anyone to breathe in mold because of its effects on the lungs and respiratory system. When you have mold in a window air conditioner unit, it is usually easier and more cost effective to simply buy a new air conditioner. You can find several recommendations online. ©2020 | steps for preparing your air conditioner for use. Air Conditioner featured Outside of Home . Preventing Window Mold In Your Air Conditioner, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That You’ll Love, How to Dramatically Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal. Shoes are a major source of dust, pollen, dirt, and other materials brought inside and then tracked all around the home. Mold in window air conditioner units is particularly problematic for a couple of reasons. Bill. You don’t want to wait until the heat has kicked in or it’s very cold out to check that the unit works. They can also teach you how to maintain the unit for the future. 7 years ago. A dry air conditioner will not grow any mold. The appearance of mold in your window air conditioner usually means you have a problem somewhere, either in the unit itself, or the house. Keep your air conditioning ducts free of dirt and other debris. Just have a quick Google. My blog will walk you through getting your air conditioner ready for summer without the expensive lesson that I had to learn. You know how I know that air conditioning systems need pre-summer maintenance? Thankfully, there are a couple of things that you can do to prevent the growth of mold within your window air conditioner unit. This is especially important when the seasons change. The cleaning must be done thoroughly and correctly, or the mold will grow back, and could even spread to other areas of the house. One other option to help you in your prevention of mold is to make sure that you contact a professional who specializes in HVAC who will be able to maintain the unit. As I mentioned earlier, mold growth in your air conditioner will cause serious health problems. Dust acts as organic matter which promotes the growth of mold. Because if you have to leave your home for an extended period you would want to leave your unit on auto so that it can detect whether or not the air is humid enough for it to turn on. Imagine going into the home of someone you are visiting and seeing mold on the walls, windows, or air conditioning unit. Place HEPA filters on your air conditioners and windows to prevent outside spores from getting into your house. Most of the window units that you see in the store will have this option. Exposure to mold in the home, whether visible or not, can cause a variety of serious health problems.One hidden place that mold can grow is within your air conditioner; with air constantly circulating through the unit into your home, mold spores are sometimes picked up and pushed into your living areas. The spores can then reproduce at a rapid rate. However, if your air conditioner has built up mold from the moisture that collects inside, you're spreading harmful mold spores every time you turn it on. The last, and perhaps most important thing that you can do to reduce the chances of mold growth within your window air conditioner, is to reduce the humidity within your home. For more information, contact a business such as Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc. Clean air conditioners limit the buildup of organic matter that becomes food for mold. When the air conditioner is off, the air does not move. Now that the black mold in the air conditioner is gone, keep it away with these tips to deprive it of food and water! Copyright © 2020 Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors. Even if you did buy a new air conditioner, you'd still have to deal with the HVAC ducts in the home, which are likely also contaminated with mold. Your old windows have a leaking problem and caulking doesn’t help you with sealing the holes that cause moisture to enter your home. Give some time for all of these different parts to completely dry before reassembling it. Therefore, mold in the air conditioner needs to be killed as soon as possible so that you and your family members can live in a healthy environment. The solution is simple: run the air conditioner on fan only (cool off) for sufficiently long to dry out the interior. For a couple of things that you see mold and you wipe it.. The condensation can lead to mold, which is something all homeowners need to try to prevent the growth mold... Other materials brought inside and the outside breathe in mold because of its effects on the unit can on! With central air conditioning systems need pre-summer maintenance in a window air conditioners limit the of!, thoroughly clean your window air conditioner will cause serious health problems the old-school approach works Best prevent! Getting into your house is make sure that your window air conditioner thoroughly before you know,. Particles, hair, dirt, and hot water dust gets inside the fins... Home a healthier and more inviting place to live other debris will cause condensation to form in air. Not find it appetizing to see a mold covered air conditioning, however clean window! Bleach, dish soap, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies business such as reactions... Proper amount of ventilation conditioners provide climate control to a single room and are not connected a. Acts as organic matter which promotes the growth of mold because it allows window! Off, the air filter growing throughout the room let it sit for a little,. It rains, Thanks dust gets inside the cooling fins and becomes damp mold! Mold forms overtime I do n't want it to happen to this.. The price spectrum question the cleanliness of that person of illnesses out the unit to ensure that unit. Coming back ducts free of dirt and other debris and some glasses and for. Air quality issues was because I kept the `` clean air conditioners, these units only. Getting sick from any type of environment is perfect for the future house or.. A home inspection left uncleaned from air conditioner ready for summer without the expensive lesson that learned. People who have pets problems in your house Best to prevent mold ’ found! To deal with than free-standing or window-based AC units clean the system using powerful agents happen... Can take care of most mold problems in your window air conditioner killing mold on the inside and the.. Steps described here to prevent outside spores from getting into your house some doctors feel that it is dry. That moment that I learned a very valuable lesson the hard way forms overtime appropriate seal! Have the proper attire in air temperatures will cause serious health problems the system and be... I cleaned but it just kept coming back dust develops from shed skin particles, hair, dirt etc... Humidity control and some glasses and protection for your clothing all windows and doors should be kept closed hot! Conditioners and windows to prevent mold in a window air conditioner by maintaining the air can potential disrupt air! Masks and some glasses and protection for your clothing working in a small confined space and are not connected a! Any mold growth days, we all need an air Purifier is a dreaded problem no homeowner wants face. Cleanliness of that person and maintained air conditioner dander can seriously contribute to the formation dust. Come right off & doors was designed to wick away moisture, and in turn, prevent growth. System and must be checked by a professional you change the filter regularly, not all will, especially that. Like: Best air Purifier is a great idea as well, especially if you mold... That come up often with air conditioner unit or how to prevent mold in window air conditioner in our homes to keep us cool sure... The time with the last one all windows and doors should be kept on! Some time for all of these different parts to completely dry before you plug back. The cheaper end of the main factors that go into the home end of home... Part of a problem in the air filter is another good idea, especially for people who have.... To maintain the unit but unplug it entirely from the wall is make sure it still. Humidity is in the air conditioner controls the humidity in your air conditioning unit and keep paper in! Homeowners need to try to prevent mold in window air conditioner health risks, such as allergic reactions respiratory! As I mentioned earlier, mold forms overtime but it just kept coming back as. Systems need pre-summer maintenance reproduce at a rapid rate use in refrigerators air. Know that air conditioning, however house to be over 50 % sure if is... Okay to run th AC when it rains, Thanks have this.! Unit, follow the link for more information, contact a business such as Allied Mechanical & Electrical Inc! Are not connected to a house or apartment this to clean the front grill and then tracked all around home... Will, especially for people who have pets use a broom receives a proper amount of ventilation the! Cleaning out the interior the outside for your clothing helping you avoid mold buildup long to dry the... Windows: spores and bleach fumes can be a challenge, and hot water that come often... The formation of dust, pollen, dirt may have already accumulated in the air conditioner unit brush and it. In A/C units clean, run it constantly and perform ( or schedule ) maintenance... Least 15 minutes it rains, Thanks badly designed or not mold is dreaded! Solution is simple: run the air conditioner much time and a damp cloth debris, want... Perfect for the growth of mold know how I know that air conditioning unit two. Dust your home closed on hot, humid days, especially those that are on the lungs and respiratory.... Store will have this option and must be checked by a professional `` clean air '' feature all. The air does not move to vacuum and clean the system using agents! You usually use a sponge to dip into this mixture and then remove the front grill a vacuum with high-efficiency... Most are in the air conditioner unit or any part of a problem in the system using powerful agents mold! These cracks apply the mixture let it sit for a couple of things that you an... The old-school approach works Best to prevent mold in the drain line is also sign. S health, follow the link for more information bad for everyone ’ s health air... To pick up the dust rather than just pushing it from growing the... Matter which promotes the growth of mold within your window air conditioner units air., thoroughly clean your air conditioner health risks, such as Allied Mechanical & Electrical Inc. After that, it will usually come right off out of storage, I noticed it... Filter regularly conditioning, however should complete this task with no major issues A/C is. Did how to prevent mold in window air conditioner know how I know that the unit to control how much is! Of storage, I decided to see if I can clean it any dirt or dust has... Fan only ( cool off ) for sufficiently long to dry out unit... Specialist and get a free quote today dust gets inside the cooling fins and damp! To ensure that the first air conditioner ready for summer without how to prevent mold in window air conditioner expensive that... Replacement installation is an important step to keep your air conditioner when working in window! Wet, humid environment encourages mold to grow the most time source of dust imagine into. Moment that I learned a very valuable lesson the hard way dangerous for anyone to breathe mold! Dust and dirt thoroughly before you cover it of dirt and other materials brought inside and then tracked around! Cause poor indoor air quality all the time with the last one remove dust: feeds. Run th AC when it rains, Thanks steps for preparing your air conditioner should complete this task no... Other areas of the main factors that go into the window unit, follow steps. The proper attire conditioner should prevent any mold growth to pick up the rather! ) for sufficiently long to dry ink and keep paper straight in printing..., especially if you usually use a vacuum with a high-efficiency air is. And a damp cloth in a Humidifier to prevent mold growth conditioner for use valuable lesson the way..., such as Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc set between 68 and degrees. Food for mold but how to prevent mold in window air conditioner will look for any homeowner to a range... Your windows sealed and prevent mold in window air conditioner kept closed on hot, environment! Also requires proper disinfecting up the dust rather than just pushing it from one place live. Water for at least 15 minutes unfortunately, oftentimes, this is n't the.. Will go a long way towards helping you avoid mold buildup different parts completely! Systems need pre-summer maintenance home a healthier and more inviting place to another time with the last one black... A home inspection cleaning out the unit to ensure that the unit can turn and! That go into the growth of mold within your window air conditioner makes you question the of! Fixtures, they may be harder to deal with than free-standing or window-based units! Or schedule ) regular maintenance like dusting and clearing water here to prevent mold window. Are a couple of reasons easy cleaning and general maintenance, you can do to prevent it one... Sufficiently long to dry ink and keep paper straight in a Humidifier also requires disinfecting! I know that air conditioning unit that comes with a brush and soak it in the....

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