There are a few ways to avoid black mold in your a/c unit. First, clean the vents with a cleaning solution. Next, vacuum the ducts and reattach the vent covers. Then, allow everything to dry. If this doesn’t work, call a professional to help.
Symptoms of black mold in ac unit
When you notice black dust or a musty smell around the vents of your air conditioner, it may be an indication of black mold growing inside your AC unit. The dust is usually hard to remove. The smell will get worse when the air conditioner is running. You may also experience headaches.
The first step is to unplug your AC unit. After that, remove the front grille cover and filter. Use a flashlight to check for signs of mold growth. Mold can appear as fuzzy, brown, or black stains. Another type of mold that can grow on the unit is mildew. Mildew produces white and powdery gray stains.
Prevention
The first step to preventing the growth of black mold in an air conditioner is to ensure that it is properly cleaned. To do this, you need to unplug the unit and remove the filter. Next, take a flashlight and check for any mold growth. If you see any black or brown stains, they could be caused by mold growth. If you cannot detect any mold growth, the air conditioner may only be suffering from mildew, which creates white or powdery gray stains.
Another symptom that can point towards mold is a musty smell. This is usually present near the vents and increases in intensity while the air is running. You may also notice the presence of black fungi around the drip pans, evaporator coils, and vents. In addition to this, people with allergies may experience irritation and itching, especially when the cooling unit is on.
Visible signs
If you suspect that your AC unit has a mold problem, there are several ways to check it. You can visually inspect the unit and any air vents for mold. The mold may be black or green in color. It may also look fuzzy. The mold spores are microscopic, so it may be difficult to detect the source.
The best way to avoid causing more damage to your unit is to get it cleaned by a professional. Black mold thrives on wet surfaces, so it’s important to repair any leaks as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can spread throughout your home.
Cost to remove
The cost to remove black mold from an air conditioning unit depends on its size, type, and the extent of the problem. Surface mold can be easily removed for as little as $500, while more extensive problems can cost as much as $8,000 to remediate. In some cases, you’ll need to replace your entire system or have it dismantled.
Professionals who specialize in mold remediation will charge anywhere from $1,125 to $3,345 to remove black mold from an AC unit. The total cost will depend on the type of mold present, the location of the mold growth, and any additional equipment required.
