When maintaining your AC, you might want to know how to prevent mold in window air conditioner. You’ll have to check on things like humidity and moisture and how they will affect the performance of your unit’s performance and the air quality it gives. We’ll go over the things you need to know about mold in your AC unit, like where it comes from and how you can deal with it.
Why Is Mold Growing In My Window Air Conditioner?
The most common fact of mold is that it grows in places prone to moisture. These places make your air conditioner a prime breeding ground for mold to grow and reproduce.
It’s also worth mentioning that mold releases spores which can land on other surfaces in the home and spread. Given how an air conditioner works, it’s more than likely that any mold that develops in the unit will spread through the air and reduce the room’s air quality where you’ve positioned it.
Another thing that can let mold grow is the humidity levels. If your area has high humidity levels, it can allow for mold to develop in and around your air conditioner.
With these in mind, you may have a better idea of what you can do to deal with or even prevent mold from building up in your air conditioner.
How Do I Keep Mold Out Of My Window Air Conditioner?
1. Monitor humidity levels
As we’ve established earlier, high humidity levels can accelerate mold growth. If your air conditioner has a humidity setting, keep it low. Setting it at 30% to 50% is an excellent way to keep levels low while being comfortable in the room.
If your AC unit doesn’t have a humidity setting, you can invest in a dehumidifier. You can use it simultaneously with the air conditioner if the overall humidity reaches 60%.
2. Get rid of dust
Mold spores can land on dusty areas, making it easier for mold to grow. With this in mind, you’ll want to clean your air conditioner of any dust regularly.
Of course, you have to make sure your AC unit is unplugged before cleaning off the dust. You can start by getting a handheld vacuum or a vacuum cleaner hose. Whichever you choose, you can use it to clean the outside and the surrounding area of the unit.
Once that’s done, you can clean out the filters and even the inside of the unit. Take out the front cover and use your vacuum to tidy up the interior. Be sure to get into those tiny cracks and crevices you might spot.
For your filter, you can use the vacuum but using running water on it. Make sure to dry it, though. It’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t use a vacuum brush as it could cause damage to the inside.
3. Try a vinegar solution
A lesser-known cleaning life hack is using vinegar as a cleaning agent. A vinegar solution can help inhibit mold growth.
Using a spray bottle, make a solution that’s one-half water and one-half vinegar. Unplug your air conditioner and start spraying your air conditioner with the solution. When it’s dried, you can plug in the air conditioner again.
4. Keep it running
It may seem weird, but keeping your air conditioner on is a great way to prevent mold growth. When you turn off your AC, it’s a given that the temperature rises but the moisture within increases with it. Keeping it running prevents moisture from building up.
You may be thinking about the cost of your electric bill, but there’s an excellent way to compromise. Check if your air conditioner has an auto mode. If it doesn’t, just set it at the lowest cool setting when you’re out and about.
5. Do a deep clean regularly
Deep cleaning is a sure-fire way of preventing mold. Please don’t wait for it to start functioning or at least smelling weird.
It’s best to do it at least once a month. You never know what kind of grime and gunk has built up in the unit.
These, of course, can make mold easier to spread. We’ve got you covered on how to clean your AC unit.
6. Check other places for mold sources
Mold growing anywhere in your house can release spores. These spores can be picked up by your air conditioner and spread even further.
Regularly spot any signs of visible mold growth. Also, take note of areas where mold could potentially grow, like nearby bathrooms or kitchen sinks. If there’s any water damage, mold might follow after.
If you want to do a meticulous search, let us help you figure out how to go about mold inspection. By clearing other parts of your home for mold, you can help reduce the possibility of mold growing in your AC unit.
Conclusion
Knowing how to prevent mold in window air conditioner can entail doing quite a bit of heavy lifting. Rest assured that it’ll be worth it for a healthier and happier home. Being able to breathe in good quality air is a reward in itself.