Nobody wants mold and mildew in their house. They create unpleasant odors, cause damage to building materials, and send out toxic spores that lower indoor air quality. The worst place for mold and mildew to start to develop is inside your HVAC system. Mold and mildew in the HVAC system will spread a noxious odor around your home (“dirty sock syndrome”), impair the operation of the AC and heater, and make it easy for toxic spores to spread.
If you want to ensure your HVAC system remains mold and mildew-free, keeping up with professional AC maintenance in Plymouth, MN is a crucial important step. Below we’ll list the proactive ways to have a mold- and mildew-free HVAC system.
1. Always Schedule Spring and Fall HVAC Maintenance
We mentioned this before, but it is the essential step in mold and mildew prevention. The main reason that mold and mildew can start to grow in an HVAC system is because of problems with condensate drainage and high moisture levels. Maintenance lets technicians catch these troubles early—before they allow for mold and mildew. Maintenance also takes care of cleaning the HVAC system, which helps to stop organic growth. HVAC maintenance is beneficial in many ways, so please don’t miss out on this bi-annual service.
2. Install a UV Germicidal Light
UV air purifiers target organic pollutants, including mold and mold spores, and either kill them or render them inert. They also prevent mold and mildew growth in the future: the UV germicidal light is installed so it shines onto the evaporator coil of the air conditioning unit, which is the primary spot where mold and mildew may grow. With that light on constant duty, mold and mildew don’t have a chance. You can schedule installation with our team.
3. Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier
If you have general high humidity in your house, that’s a big invitation for mold and mildew to move in. You can fix this problem at its heart with the installation of a whole-house dehumidifier. This not only lowers humidity levels in the HVAC system, it helps all around the house with better comfort in hot weather.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential for mold growth prevention. Ensure that your HVAC system has proper ventilation so fresh air circulates and keeps humidity under control.
5. Clean and Seal Air Ducts
Over time, dust, dirt, and moisture can accumulate in your air ducts, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. You can combat this with regular professional duct cleaning (we recommend it every 3–5 years). If your ducts have air leaks, professional sealing will prevent the ductwork from getting even dirtier.
6. Use High-Quality Air Filters
Investing in high-quality air filters can significantly reduce the risk of mold and mildew in your HVAC system. However, make sure you do this in consultation with an HVAC specialist because a filter that’s too powerful will impede airflow.
We can help you with all of these services, so don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll set up a regular maintenance program and handle any duct sealing or IAQ system installations you need.
Need great HVAC assistance in the Twin Cities? Call Residential Heating and Air Conditioning and “Feel the Difference.”