4 Ways To Protect Your HVAC System Against Mold
ShareDo you think that your HVAC system might have mold in it? Whether your HVAC system is located within a home or a business, it's important to keep it regularly maintained. HVAC systems are often the area within a home that is most susceptible to mold growth.
1. Get Your Ducts Cleaned
Mold thrives in dusty, dirty environments. Spores can collect anywhere, but they will collect more in areas that are not cleaned often. This is one of many reasons why your ducts should be cleaned on a regular basis. There are also some other benefits to cleaning your ducts: allergic reactions will be reduced, the HVAC system will work more efficiently and your home or office's temperature will be easier to maintain.
2. Don't Keep It Too Warm
Mold prefers environments that range between 77 to 86 degrees. Though mold can grow at most temperatures above 32 degrees, it is not likely to grow as fast. Mold is everywhere: there's no way to completely remove mold from your home. The goal is really to ensure that it does not grow too quickly and that it is periodically cleaned out.
3. Change Your Filters Often
Your HVAC system's filters will often get clogged with debris. If you have pets or children, you'll often find that the filters get even dirtier faster, due to foot traffic and animal fur. You should change your filters whenever they appear visibly dirty. A dirty filter won't just create an environment for mold; it will also collect dust and dander that can set off allergies.
4. Reduce Your Humidity
Mold needs a moist, humid environment -- this is why mold is so commonly found following water damage. Reducing the humidity in your home is an easy way to reduce the mold within your home. You can often reduce your humidity simply by running your heater, but if you find that this isn't sufficient to reduce humidity you can also purchase a dehumidifier. In larger homes or offices, you may want a dehumidifier for each floor or large room.
It's a good idea to get an air quality test periodically to make sure that you don't have any mold or other issues brewing under the surface. Mold damage can be quite severe within a home and can cause significant health problems to those exposed. If you suspect that there is mold in your home, you should contact a mold remediation expert, like RESTOR Property Restoration, as soon as possible.