Residential heating and cooling systems significantly impact a home’s air quality. Without proper maintenance, mildew, dust, and other materials can build up in the ducts and cause serious medical issues. Ductwork mold may indicate that you need immediate HVAC repairs to prevent future air quality issues. Below, learn some insight into how mold grows and what to look for to keep your home safe and comfortable.

What Causes HVAC Mold? 

Furnaces and ACs feature air intake vents that suck air into the HVAC before heating and cooling it. These features have filters to limit how much pet fur, hair, dander, and dust collect in the ductwork. Humidity mixes with this organic material and can grow into mold.

Houses with multiple residents or furry pets are likely to incur this issue quicker because they have more organic matter that can feed mold growth. Residences in humid areas are also more likely to have this issue, due to the higher moisture levels.

What Are the Signs of Mold Growth?

Moldy HVAC systems may cause your family to have mild irritation like running or sneezy noses and red eyes. Individuals with respiratory issues like mold allergies or asthma may experience heightened symptoms in the presence of mold in the heating and cooling system. 

If you clean the HVAC wall or ceiling vents, you may notice blackish mold growing around the slots where the air comes through. This residue can be difficult to wipe off, unlike typical dust that gathers there.

Heating and cooling systems feature drain and condensate pans where the system deposits water after removing humidity from the air. You may need HVAC repairs if these containers are leaking because this creates high moisture levels in the ductwork that may facilitate mold.

How Can You Prevent It?

Most people can’t see HVAC mold with the naked eye, but an HVAC repair technician can help. It’s critical to schedule a yearly inspection to watch for this growth as well as ensure the system is running in top shape.

Switch out the furnace and AC filters every two months. These panels contain spun fiberglass and paper in a cardboard frame that prevents particles from entering the heating and cooling system. Pet owners and people with breathing problems may change these filters once a month to further improve air quality. This simple task will also prevent needing HVAC repair to address clogged intakes and ductwork due to contaminant buildup. 

Contact South Carolina Mechanical in Horry County, SC, if you’re concerned about heating and AC mold. The company offers around-the-clock emergency services, plus preventative maintenance, installations, and HVAC repairs. Call the Conway-area team at (843) 333-1494 or visit the website for information on their preventative maintenance plans and how they can improve your home’s air quality.