What Causes Mold To Grow In An Air Conditioner?

Finding mold in your air conditioning unit generally isn't a welcome surprise. But, understanding what causes mold to grow in air conditioners can help you take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place, or at least catch it early. That way, you can request AC repair or replacement before the problem gets worse. 

What Factors Help Mold Grow?

There are a few things that need to be present for mold to grow, such as moisture, food, and a suitable temperature. Commercial and residential air conditioners often provide at least two of those three things: moisture and a suitable temperature. Here's a closer look at each of those two factors.

Moisture is often present in air conditioners every day of the year because the air conditioner's job is to remove moisture from the air. However, during hot weather, air conditioners work extra hard to dehumidify homes and businesses, which can lead to higher levels of moisture inside the unit. This increased moisture, combined with air conditioning units' dark and secluded environments, provides an ideal breeding ground for mold.

The other factor that can contribute to mold growth in air conditioners is temperature. Most types of mold prefer warm temperatures, generally, somewhere between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If an air conditioner's evaporator coils are somewhere around this temperature range, your home or business can create an ideal environment for mold spores to grow and multiply.

What Should You Do if Your Air Conditioning System Has Mold?

If you find mold in your air conditioner, it's important to take care of the problem right away. With that being said, AC repair or replacement may be necessary. In some cases, you may be able to clean the mold yourself. However, it's generally best to leave air conditioner repair and maintenance to the professionals.

Sometimes it can be hard to determine whether your air conditioner is full of mold or whether the debris is something else, such as dirt or dust. If you're not sure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact an air conditioning repair professional. They'll be able to inspect your unit and let you know what needs to be done to resolve the issue.

If you're concerned about mold growth in your air conditioner or if you've already found mold, contact a trusted air conditioning company in your area. They can inspect your unit and let you know if AC repair or replacement is necessary, plus help with AC installation if needed. An AC company can also help you take steps to prevent mold growth in the future.

Contact a local AC company to learn more.