For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. If that moisture builds up and never gets a chance to dry out, it can lead to mold growth. Mold needs two key components to go wild like that. As we have discussed previously, mildew/mold presence in a home is not the sole culprit behind the unwanted odor of musty smell in this environment – as there are many other causes that can be producing this odor in the air. Mold can cause damage to your home and can lead to eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation. Leaking Pipes Cause Mold Water leaks from pipes are a common cause of mold growth. When the temperature reaches 77ºF, the a/c will still kick on and cool and reduce the humidity. Look for signs of mold growth, such as black, white or brown spots appearing on walls or a musty odor. Air Conditioning Ducts. Realtors, Don’t Scare Away Your Buyers With Mold! Turn off your air conditioner to prevent further mold spores from entering your home. What to Know About Drywall Water Damage and Black Mold Growth. If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition such … But in south Florida, it circulates warm moist air, which can spawn mold growth. If you notice any of these issues, our team of expert technicians can complete a thorough inspection of your home air conditioning system and ductwork to identify the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can especially harm those with respiratory concerns. If you suspect … Not ready to talk to someone? Humid climate, together with poor ventilation, or anything that causes condensation and traps moisture in the walls of your house, can cause mold to grow in the air ducts. To ensure a property is healthy, safe, and energy efficient, it is advisable is to seal your home from energy leaks and incorporate suitable ventilation solutions so air can move throughout the house at a healthy rate. Medications can help keep mold allergy reactions under control. Several HVAC issues lead to such conditions, thus making … Air filters are the essential barrier between airborne mold spores, allergens, dust, and … Select a preferred date and time to receive a call back. A Malfunctioning AC Unit Can Cause Mold Growth A properly working air conditioner also works as a dehumidifier for your home. Any space containing high moisture levels is at risk for mold. Mold is a harmful fungus that grows in homes, preferring environments with moisture, humidity, and warmth for growth. Pick a day and time that's best for you and we'll call you then. Before you install a window air conditioner in a room, consider some of the harmful effects it can have. Discolored floor and wall tiles and grout. Mold spores can cause a variety of health complications. Many home AC systems help your home prevent this by removing humidity from the home, however, when the rain picks up it can dampen your AC. Inadequate ventilation is also associated with a higher risk of airborne infectious disease transmission, as well as the accumulation of indoor pollutants and dampness, all which are factors in the development of serious health issues. Malls, restaurants, airports, and even our homes need proper ventilation. We are always available to get started for your needs. If you had simply left the air conditioning running, it would have cooled the home and removed moisture from the air and circulated and filtered the air. If there is mold on the air conditioner coils, mold spores can easily spread through the ducts in your ventilation system. Many of these signs are the result of poor ventilation in combination with excess moisture. Mold in Your AC Can Quickly Spread Throughout Your Home. Allow fresh air into your home to prevent mold from taking root.  Proper ventilation helps remove excess moisture, while inadequate ventilation allows excess moisture to linger, leading to additional problems. Preventative maintenance can keep mold from growing in your air conditioning system. Without filtration, the air retains mold spores, dust, and other contaminates. These holes in the wall studs allow the AC to pull humidity into the AC each time the AC turns on, this phenomenon is called entrainment and is a common cause of mold and humidity problems. Mold in your car’s AC is typically hidden deep inside the dashboard, which makes it difficult to spot during the pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. Make sure the vents in your home are clean and unobstructed. When the cool air from the vents meets the warm air in the room, the temperature difference can cause moisture in the air to condense on surfaces in and around the vents. But until it does, the fan is blowing humid air throughout the house. When mold grows within the central heating, cooling, and ventilation system, there are high chances that every room connected to the vents receives generous amounts of mold spores. What can you do to prevent mold from growing in your home? Side effects of mold. Fill out our convenient form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. Poor ventilation can lead to mold growth. Properly sized air conditioners run longer. However, it can progress worse and worse, leading to irritation of the eyes, skin rashes and even wheezing. This can, in fact, lead to mold growth within your air conditioner! Many home AC systems help your home prevent this by removing humidity from the home, however, when the rain picks up it can dampen your AC. Oversized AC unit —Large air conditioners won’t run as long and therefore won’t remove much humidity from your home’s air. Schedule a Call Now, Fill out our convenient form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.Contact Us, Fill out our convenient form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. Mold can grow and odors can develop in a basement or living space of a home simply because the HVAC system has been turned off. No one wants to have to deal with mold in their home. Ventilation is one of the most important things to consider in any environment. Symptoms may surface as flu-like, from sneezing, watery eyes, and a running nose. The humidity can then condense on your metal vents and become a breeding ground for mold. Most common molds require a wet environment to thrive, and air conditioners only run intermittently, allowing moisture and debris to accumulate in the air handler and ductwork. In some people, mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.If you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the types of mold that cause your reaction. In fact, the signs of mold may not be obvious until the air conditioner has been turned on. Here are some common reasons that could be causing a mildew odor to develop in your AC. Mold, for example, can be worse in a window unit than a central AC system. If you combine moisture with restricted air circulation you will create a humid and moist environment, the ideal environment for mold to grow and thrive. These wet surfaces can in turn create mold growth of their own. It’s too late Unfortunately, many people put off purchasing a dehumidifier until AFTER they experienced water damage, a flooded basement, or have spent money on basement waterproofing. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Annual inspections of your plumbing can keep you in the loop on any problems. We’ll get to what you can do about mold growth that’s an effective solution. A mold allergy can make you cough, make your eyes itch and cause other symptoms that make you miserable. What Does Black Mold Reveal About Your Home? When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Unlike the kitchen and bathroom, where constant humidity from steam is one of the main causes of mold, bedroom mold can be blamed on condensation and regular humidity (e.g. Mold can cause many health effects. This includes interior and exterior vents. A humid and warm environment has all the perfect conditions for mold to grow. You’ve probably heard the term “black mold,” but many probably don’t fully understand what it is. Make sure exterior vents are not obstructed or broken. It probably does not surprise you to hear that mold in air conditioner systems can make you sick. But without proper care and maintenance, air conditioners also have the potential to cause health problems, especially when mold grows inside them. We are often unaware of the impact poor ventilation can have in our homes and on our health. As soon as you switch your heater or air conditioner on, the microscopic particles start floating and blowing out with air into the room. a winter cold front blows through), the moisture in your house will condense and feed the mold. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America states that keeping your air conditioning ducts free of dirt and other debris with seasonal tune ups can reduce the likelihood of mold growth by making sure there is no organic matter in your home’s HVAC ducts on which mold can feed. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Moisture is the building block for mold and mildew growth which can cause a musty smell from your air conditioners. Having exterior vents in your house is important so the polluted air inside can be drawn out and fresh air drawn in. Moisture; A cool atmosphere; Your A/C can encourage mold growth by not running. Our Pets Reveal A Lot About the Overall Health of our Homes, Young Children and Mold – Why Mold Removal is a Must, Everything You Need to Know About Window Mold. When not used properly, as I discover in 8 out of 10 homes, dehumidifiers can be the cause of mold growth, and can actually spread mold spores throughout homes. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. Most people are aware that exposure to household mold can cause illness. Here’s what you should know about a mold inspection, testing and when you should contact a mold specialist. This is usually caused by older systems that are near end of life and need to be replaced. When the air conditioning system turns on, the mold spores can travel from the ducts and into the air circulating throughout your home. Dryer vents should never be closed or blocked as blockage can increase the chances of carbon dioxide build up, which is dangerous in your home. Give us a call today at 478-960-5825 for all of your air conditioning and heating needs in Bonaire and Warner Robins, GA. Commercial Air Conditioning Repair Service, Act quickly to keep your roofing system at its best. Mold is not just icky or gross. May 28, 2019. It can, but not for the reasons you think. Clogged filters.  There has to be a proper balance between the amount of air intakes and the amount of external venting. Mold can grow in organic matter, standing water or condensation in your air conditioning ducts. Mold is a harmful fungus that grows in homes, preferring environments with moisture, humidity, and warmth for growth. When your AC has a blocked drainage tube it can cause water to leak inside which can lead to mold growth when not noticed or repaired quickly. In addition to organic materials, mold needs water in order to grow. Contact us to schedule a consultation and home inspection if you think poor ventilation in your home is causing mold growth. If you suspect mold or have confirmed mold in your property, knowing the signs and symptoms can ensure you stay safe. We will help you determine a solution to remove mold and prevent further issues. A mold-free home is a happy and healthy home! Choose the way you'd like to connect and help is on the way. Because good ventilation brings in clean air and keeps that air moving, discouraging viruses and allergens from spreading. If you leave your HVAC unit on cool and the surrounding air gets cool (i.e. Contact Us, Home Ventilation Issues that Cause Mold Growth. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, lint, and dust “when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding.” Pick a day and time that's best for you and we'll call you then. Having clean, unblocked vents enables fresh air to circulate throughout your entire home. Attic or roof vents should always remain open to allow air to circulate throughout your home. When Does Mold Removal Go From DIY to Professional Assistance? Look for signs of mold growth, such as black, white or brown spots appearing on walls or a musty odor. Setting your AC on a very low temperature can sometimes lead to mold around the vents. 5. Take our free online self-assessment and get clarity. Make sure these are not blocked or broken by things such as debris or insulation. Your local plumber can assess your pipes for any damage or wear that can allow water into your home. This can, in fact, lead to mold growth within your air conditioner! It pulls excess moisture from the air and drains it outside of the home. Having a dry or sore, irritated throat that does not go away could be a sign … Poor ventilation can lead to mold growth. The drip pan is a place where standing water goes unnoticed and undisturbed — the perfect environment for mold growth. Unfortunately, if this happens, turning on your heat or AC can cause the spread of mold spores all throughout your home. Molds thrive when the humidity levels exceed 70 percent. But first, let’s talk about the common causes of this mold development. If your. Since you can’t see the mold growing in your HVAC system, you may not realize it’s happening until you begin to notice a foul smell in your home. That’s a problem in humid Atlanta. Mold appearance and mold growth on walls, wood or fabric surfaces. Persistent Sore Throat. A mold-free home is a happy and healthy home! However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. A HVAC system that is over-sized will lead to excess moisture in a building which can lead to growth of toxic mold. Exposure to mold may experience an inflammatory response to the mold, especially if you already suffer from asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. If the HVAC system is not running, then the air is not being conditioned or filtered. You may also consider using fans to get good ventilation. Reasons Why Air Conditioning (HVAC) Equipment Form Mold: The HVAC system is not efficiently removing humidity from the air. The real danger of mold does not come from the impact on your HVAC system, but the effect on your health. For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, ... your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Moisture: Air conditioning systems naturally dehumidify the air (a bit) just by the nature of their operation. Well, two conditions cause mold to grow in ductwork—warm temperatures and moisture. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow practically anywhere, including in your vehicle’s air conditioning unit.  Poor air circulation can contribute to dampness and mold growth in your home, which can have a detrimental effect on your health. Not only does high humidity feed mold, but it means that puddles of water and damp materials in the home take longer to dry out. from weather conditions). It’s common for mold to accumulate in your AC coils and air ducts. Yes all metal studs have these holes, but it is not typical for these open holes in the studs to be exposed and in such close proximity to an AC return. In order for the air conditioning system to successfully dehumidify as well as cool the building it services, the HVAC contractor cannot oversize it. If you combine moisture with restricted air circulation you will create a humid and moist environment, the ideal environment for mold to grow and thrive.