A persistent musty or moldy smell in the home or an unpleasant odor coming from the vents or when the system is running could be a sign of mold in the air ducts, on the evaporator coils or condenser coils, or on the air filters. Once a homeowner knows what mold smells like, they’ll be able to tell whether the smell coming from their HVAC system is mold or something else. There are several signs of mold in an HVAC unit, including a musty smell, visible mold on air vents, and unexplained respiratory symptoms in residents. In addition, if an HVAC system is not maintained properly or filters are not cleaned or replaced, a homeowner can expect to find an accumulation of dust, debris, and moisture, which makes for an excellent breeding ground for mold-and an unpleasant environment for residents who have allergies to dust and mold. Without proper airflow, moisture can linger, allowing mold spores to settle and grow. Poor ventilation is another common cause of mold, since it can lead to stagnant air and moisture accumulation. Leaky or damaged ducts, for instance, can allow moisture to enter the HVAC system and lead to mold within the ductwork if the moisture is not properly drained or dried. Mold thrives in areas with high moisture, which is why any kind of leak or excess moisture can cause mold in an HVAC system. Photo: Some common causes of mold in an HVAC system include leaking ducts, an oversize AC unit, excessive humidity in the home, and poor ventilation. If the drain pan is not regularly cleaned or if drainage issues exist, stagnant water can accumulate and lead to mold growth. Another spot conducive to mold growth is the drain pan, which collects and drains condensation from the HVAC system. The evaporator coils of an HVAC system are responsible for cooling the air, which is why condensation on the coils that is not properly drained or dried can lead to mold growth on the moist surfaces. This makes the ducts more prone to condensation, which can provide the ideal environment for mold growth. There are three areas of an HVAC system where mold can grow: the air ducts, the evaporator coil, and the drain pan.Ī common place mold grows in HVAC systems is the air ducts, especially if the ductwork is poorly sealed or insulated. Mold is especially harmful to those with respiratory conditions, compromised immune systems, or pre-existing lung diseases, which is why it might be a good idea for those who have these conditions to get their home or HVAC systems inspected for different types of mold. When this happens, it can lead to allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. If the issue isn’t addressed right away, it could cause mold to contaminate the entire system and spread through the vents and the air in the home. Whether a homeowner sees signs of mold on the surfaces of their HVAC system or notices that their AC smells musty when it kicks on, these issues should be dealt with quickly in order to avoid the further growth of mold or physical symptoms that affect the health of those who live or spend time inside the home. Mold in HVAC systems needs to be addressed promptly to avoid spreading mold spores around the home through the air vents.
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