There's Mold in the Air...Conditioner!

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Don't be afraid to get your AC unit wet while cleaning it! They are typically water resistant. We advise to keep the water away from the controls.

Have you noticed a smell but can’t quite put your finger on where it is coming from? When was the last time you checked your AC units?

Mold thrives any place there is moisture.  Whether you can clean the unit yourself or need a replacement will be determined by where the mold is located. A few steps can be taken to inspect and clean your AC unit.

First, unplug and remove the unit from the window.

Second, remove the filter and allow to soak in hot soapy water.

Third, remove the outside pieces of your unit. Be sure to follow your owner’s manual. Once you have access to the inside of the AC unit, vacuum to remove any built-up debris and dust.

Fourth, make sure the coils are clean. This is a step you cannot skip because the built-up residue will provide a food source for mold.

Fifth, after you know the coils are clean, you will need to wipe down the entire inside of the unit to wipe away any visible mold.

Sixth, spray the inside of the unit with Concrobium. This product can be found at any store that sells home improvement goods. After allowing the filter to soak through all the other steps, make sure to wipe down the filter and remove any leftover residues.

The seventh and final step is to allow the AC unit to dry completely before assembling it back together.

If you take apart the unit and find it saturated with mold, replacing the whole unit could be the safest option for you and your family. A common mistake people make is turning off the AC completely before leaving the home for a few days. This can lead to mold growth because the stagnant air promotes its growth. Instead of turning the AC off completely, set the temperature up 10 degrees higher than you would normally have it. This will keep the unit running every once in a while to prevent the environment where mold will grow.