Where there is moisture, there is the potential for mold. Mold can be a health danger anywhere in your home, but is particularly bad in your air conditioner because air movement (by design) spreads mold spores throughout your living space—potentially causing respiratory and other health problems as you are exposed.
So what can you do to protect yourself, your family, and anyone who spends time in your home and air conditioning?
Dangers of Mold
Mold is always present in our environment, but it becomes a problem when it can grow readily in our homes due to excess moisture. If a space is too humid or there is some sort of leak or standing water, then mold has a place to thrive and cause a number of health problems:
- Allergy—some people are particularly sensitive to molds and can have an allergic response, including respiratory ailments, asthma attacks, redness, watery eyes, and more.
- Irritation—some who are not allergic can still react to molds with irritation similar to allergies, as well as headaches, nosebleeds, body aches, and more.
- Infection—mold exposure can cause infections that can even lead to chronic illness, particularly in those with compromised immune systems.
- Toxic response—certain molds can not only irritate and infect, but be toxic with long-term exposure, though the extent is currently unclear.
Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System
Since mold thrives in moisture areas and on damp surfaces, regular maintenance of your air conditioning system helps reduce potential problems:
- Change filters
- Clean indoor and outdoor condenser coils
- Clear drains and keep condensation under control
Learn more about self-maintenance in our previous article on Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips. Then it is also recommended, even after self-cleaning A/C methods, that a licensed professional review the condition of your cooling system. And a complete professional cleaning and service is always your best bet for keeping mold spores and other contaminants out of your home’s breathable air.
Preventing Mold and Bacteria
The healthiest air conditioning system is the one that prevents mold, bacteria, and contaminants. Having UV germicidal lamps installed as part of an air purification system not only protects your health but gives you the peace of mind that it will stay that way. UV lamps not only sterilize your AC’s components against mold spores, but also bacteria and fungi, so you can breathe easy—figuratively and literally.
Properly maintaining your air conditioner, keeping humidity under control, repairing leaks, and preventing standing water will go a long way in keeping your home’s air clean and breathable. Mold can sound (and actually be) scary, but can also be controlled and prevented for a healthy household environment.
