Mold in the home can pose a health risk for anyone, particularly those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. Unfortunately, mold likes humid areas, making it a particular problem for HVAC systems in Tampa Bay, FL, homes. At Ahoy! Cooling & Heating we take the safety of you and your loved ones seriously. That is why we want to work together with you to identify mold in your HVAC and provide solutions for how to prevent it.
Identifying Mold
Ahead of taking preventative measures, if you are wondering if mold has already made a home in your HVAC system, here are a few telltale signs to look out for:
A Strong Musty Smell
If you already have mold in your HVAC system, you may encounter a strong, musty scent when you engage your heater or air conditioner. Many liken it to a dirty gym sock smell. The scent will generally be stronger near the vent where the mold is growing. The mold scent may initially be in one room, but if left alone, it will eventually take over the entire duct system.
Around the Vents
Another strong clue that mold has taken over your HVAC system is if you see yellow, green, brown, or black growth around your vent areas. You may also see unexplainable bits of one of these colors on carpets or furniture. This is from the air that flows through your ducts, loosening the spores, and pushing them out of the vents to settle around your household.
Unexplained Illnesses or Allergy Symptoms
If you are experiencing an unexplained illness or allergy symptoms, mold in your HVAC system could be the culprit. The most common symptoms that correlate with mold exposure include persistent headaches, dizziness, and chronic fatigue. You may also notice itching of the eyes, nose, skin, or throat. Getting regular rashes is also a common symptom. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, schedule an indoor air quality test of your home with one of our team members at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating. We will complete an inspection of your HVAC system.
Preventative Measures
Now that we have gone over how to identify mold in your HVAC system, let’s go over prevention methods to keep your HVAC equipment and home healthy.
Watch Your Humidity Levels
If your home in Tampa is prone to humidity, it could be worth investing in a dehumidifier for your household. Some areas of a home can be more humid than others, so have a dehumidifier set up to target the problem areas. Even better than the small and portable dehumidifiers that can only target one area at a time are whole-home dehumidifiers. A whole-home unit works with your present HVAC system and can do a great deal towards controlling the moisture throughout your entire household. A member of our trusted team at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating can give you more details about this option.
Good Ventilation
As mold thrives in areas with poor ventilation. Therefore, try to keep your home as well-ventilated as possible.
Maintaining the Drain Pans
Since mold can breed in drain pans that are not kept clean, ensure that this is part of the routine maintenance you schedule for your HVAC system.
Replace Air Filters
If your air filters are dirty and damp, they cannot do their job correctly. When working properly, they trap contaminants, including mold spores, and keep them from entering your home. Mold particles can enter your HVAC system if the air filters are not regularly changed.
HVAC Mold Inhibitor
A good, professional mold inhibitor treatment can prevent mold and mildew from growing inside your HVAC system. A technician at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating can apply the inhibitor to every part of your unit to prevent mold growth.
Ultraviolet Light
Having a UV light installed in your HVAC system can help deal with mold spores in your HVAC system before they have a chance to make their way into the air that you breathe. Ultraviolet light also neutralizes the spores to prevent future growth. Ahoy! Cooling & Heating can handle the installation and explain the benefits of a UV light upgrade for your HVAC system.
Routine Maintenance
One of the best things you can do to prevent mold growth in your HVAC system is to set up a routine maintenance plan with Ahoy! Cooling & Heating. Routine maintenance catches issues before they become big problems. By having one of our experts inspect your HVAC system and address any potential problems, you are taking a massive step toward preventing mold from taking root in your system.
Your Trusted Tampa HVAC Team
If you are in Tampa, FL, or the surrounding area, you deserve to have Ahoy! Cooling & Heating help ensure you are living mold-free. We have been providing exceptional commitment to the community for years and have become known for providing the best heating and cooling services. We are dedicated to addressing your concerns and helping you save money. You can count on us to keep your HVAC system mold-free and can look to us for everything from repairs to installations. If you are ready to experience our exemplary service, contact us today.
