Is There Mold in Your Window A/C Unit?
One problematic place where mold may grow is in a window air conditioning unit. These units can be hard to remove, take apart, and clean. They also blow air into your home, so they can be rather dangerous if they have mold.
Today we will discuss how to identify and remove mold from your window air conditioner unit.
How Do You Know If Your Window A/C Unit Has Mold?
There are several things to look for if you suspect mold in your window air conditioning unit. First, check to see if it is visible on the filter or elsewhere in the unit. You may need to remove the grille from the unit to examine it. Make sure the unit is off before inspecting it as well.
Another thing to search for includes a certain musty odor when the unit is running. You can usually smell mold and mildew when it is in an air conditioner. You may also be experiencing reactions to the mold spores. These include coughing, sneezing, and other respiratory problems. If you are allergic to mold, the reaction may be more severe.
Why Does Mold Grow In Your Window Air Conditioner?
The types of mold that may grow in or by a window air conditioning unit include:
- Stachybotrys
- Fusarium
- Acremonium
- Alternaria
- Trichoderma
- Mucor
The type of mold depends on the conditions, but most of them grow due to moisture or dust.
It is typical for moisture or condensation to be on your window air conditioning unit, which is why mold may grow. In warmer and more humid weather, mold is more likely to grow on your window air conditioning unit. If the mold spores have something to feed off of, such as dust, this combination results in mold growth.
In Florida, humid weather is very common. You should regularly check on your window air conditioning unit over the summer here.
What To Do If You Discover Mold In Your Window A/C Unit
If you happen to discover mold in your window air conditioning unit, do not turn the unit back on. You do not want to continue blowing mold spores into your home. In doing so, you could allow mold spores to find other surfaces in your home to grow on. And, of course, mold is not good for you to be breathing in. Mold spreading through other areas of your home is dangerous, so preventing such is vital.
In some cases, you can clean your window air conditioning unit. Unplug and remove it to clean it. We recommend bringing it outside or placing it in a large tub or sink. You should wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself. You can use various mold-removing products on the unit. A combination of water and dish soap is also recommended for cleaning the filter. You can let the filter sit in this combination, then use a brush to scrub it. Vacuuming out debris and dirt from the interior of the unit is important as well. A combination of bleach, hot water, and dish soap works well to clean the interior and grille. You can also use a hose to clean off the cover and grille. Make sure every part of the unit is cleaned and dried before returning it. Plug it back in, turn it on, then enjoy the clean air.
However, some window air conditioning units may have too much mold to clean. It is best to replace the unit in this case. You can also call a professional mold remediation company to inspect and remove the mold.
If you find mold and clean the unit and then the mold continues to grow back, replace the unit. Mold spores can sometimes remain even after you clean the unit.
How To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Window A/C Unit
Make sure your unit is working correctly. If something is wrong with it, causing mold growth, you should replace it.
Otherwise, do regular check-ups and cleanings of your window air conditioning unit. It is essential to keep it clean and keep the moisture controlled. It may be worth investing in a unit with humidity control.
If the weather is hot, don’t shut off your A/C unit when you leave. Leaving the unit to sit for days without running allows for dust to build up. This is what mold feeds on, and the hot and humid temperature outside contributes to its growth. If you are going on vacation, set the unit temperature to higher than normal. This will allow it to cycle still, though not as often.
Enjoy Your Mold-Free Window A/C Unit
We hope this helps you keep your home healthy, clean, and mold-free!