Mold growth in your house may cause health problems for you and your family. We can help you identify and prevent mold issues in your HVAC system.
Maintaining a mold-free home is crucial for ensuring the health and comfort of your living environment. In areas like St. Louis, where humidity can be high, the battle against mold is ongoing.
Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC, serving communities from Affton to Arnold and beyond, offers expert HVAC advice on preventing mold growth in your home. Call us today to schedule a free estimate.
Mold refers to the furry or woolly growth of fungi, which is usually noticeable on damp surfaces. This growth is hard to deal with, as it can easily resurface after being dormant for several years.
Mold and HVAC Systems
Contrary to what some people might think, HVAC systems are not exactly responsible for mold. It is especially hard for this furry growth to thrive in these systems due to the nature of their surfaces, which are usually metallic. However, their use can enhance mold growth when these systems are not properly maintained. To avoid issues, you must ensure your system is properly designed and installed to guard against dampness in your home. It should also use effective filtration techniques for clean air, with maintenance work carried out periodically.
Prevention of Mold Growth
It is important to ensure appropriate architectural, design, and building techniques are used for your home to guard against excess moisture. Defective flashing, doors, windows, balconies, and vapor barriers may expose you to mold. You should also have the exterior parts of your building inspected at least once annually. Breaches in the building envelope, roof flashing, and caulking should ideally be repaired.
It is important to eliminate all stagnant water in tubs, sinks, and other areas. You may promote problematic mold growth by leaving your air conditioner off for a prolonged time during the summer months, so you should avoid doing this at all costs. Using a dehumidifier can also help eliminate excessive moisture in your home that could allow mold to gain ground. It also helps to install insulation and vapor barriers to guard against condensation on objects such as water pipes, plumbing fixtures, and beams.
You can also get help preventing mold growth by signing a preventive maintenance agreement with a technician. This will enable you to get professional help in checking for mold growth. Your technician will assist in carefully examining your HVAC system periodically and performing all necessary repairs. If the likelihood of mold occurrence is noticed in-between visits by your technician, you should contact them immediately. By doing this, you will not only be able to prevent mold growth but your system’s efficiency and lifespan will also be safeguarded. It will also save you from having to carry out costly ac repairs.
Taking Further Actions
If you suspect mold in your home, you should inform your HVAC contractor immediately. You may want to inform the builder if your property is still somewhat new. An inspection will then be carried out to validate or invalidate your fear. If your fear is confirmed, the type of mold involved and its toxicity will be ascertained for necessary actions. If you suspect your HVAC system is not controlling moisture and promoting mold growth, call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625.
