Mold can grow in different areas of your home, including inside your air conditioning unit. The substance is attracted to the wet environment the unit provides and can circulate throughout your home, causing health problems among your family members. If you notice the following signs of mold in the unit, contact an HVAC contractor promptly. 

How to Detect Mold In Your Air Conditioning Unit

1. Look In the Vents

Open up one of the grates in your home and shine a flashlight inside; if you spot mold around the vents, there’s a good chance that it has spread to other parts of your HVAC system. Mold has a fuzzy texture and can range in color from grayish-green to brownish-black.

If the problem is widespread, the substance may also be visible on the surrounding walls, ceiling, and floor. It’s difficult to completely remove the mold yourself because tiny spores have likely already spread to other areas and can cause reinfestation. Because of this, it’s best to have a professional inspect the ventilation. If the mold is not located in an accessible area, you may need to replace the unit. 

2. Identify the Smell

If you’re experiencing a stale, musty odor throughout your home, water may be accumulating in the drain pan or drip lines. This causes fungus or mildew to grow in your AC, which will then spread the odor into different rooms of your house. 

Check drain pans to ensure moisture is draining properly. To avoid excess water buildup and mold accumulation, clean them regularly. 

3. Notice Worsening Allergy Symptoms

Mold can be troublesome for those who suffer from allergies. It can induce symptoms such as frequent headaches, a sore throat, or a stuffy nose.

If your nose, throat, or eyes feel irritated when you turn on the air conditioner, mold is likely to blame. If you think this is the case, have an HVAC professional to clean and inspect the system.

You can also invest in a humidifier and keep it near ductwork. It will lower the water content in the air and help water evaporate more quickly to prevent further mold growth. 

If you have mold in your air conditioning unit and need a ventilation inspection or new system, turn to the professionals at Apollo Refrigeration in Hamden, CT. The company has been providing reliable refrigeration and HVAC services for over 40 years. These professionals utilize cutting-edge tools and the latest techniques in the industry to finish each job on time. If you would like to learn more information about their services, call (203) 777-6291, or visit their website.