Preventing (and Recovering From) Mold Damage IN HVAC Systems

Records show that San Antonio has had an average of 18 days a year with 100-plus degree temperatures, but some years we get three times that. It’s hard to say what Summer 2022 will bring, but a well maintained A/C is a must in Bexar County. Your HVAC system not only keeps you comfortable, but also protects your home from moisture damage. All that warm Gulf air brings tons of moisture; keeping San Antonio relative humidity levels about 65% most summer days.

Mold can easily grow in an environment that is rich in moisture, organic material, and above freezing temperatures. Your air conditioning system could provide fertile conditions for mold growth unless you take steps to prevent moisture and “mold food” from building up in the home. 

Mold Damage Cleanup in San Antonio

Keep Moisture Levels Low

To control household mold, you must keep the moisture and humidity levels in check. 1) less moisture and 2) lower humidity in a building, the less chance you will have a mold problem.  

• Aim for a relative humidity level below 55%. If your thermostat doesn’t display humidity, use an inexpensive hygrometer.
• Install and use exhaust fans in areas when cooking, showering, drying laundry, etc. You could install a timer, or just remember to let it run at least 15 minutes after you finish the moisture creating activity.  
• Only vent these exhaust fans to the outside (not in the attic or basement).  

When there is too much moisture in your home, there is also too much moisture in the closed off,  dark recesses of the ductwork, as well. Mold grows in dark places when two things are present: moisture and warm temperatures. A warm, humid environment has the ideal conditions for mold to form. A humid climate along with poor ventilation, or anything that traps moisture in your walls and causes condensation, can lead to mold in air ducts.  

Homeowner Maintenance to Prevent Mold in HVAC Systems 

Follow any recommendation from the manufacturer but general tips are to :

• Maintain the drain pans; use a little bleach or building water to prevent bacteria from clogging the drain lines. 
• Replace air filters regularly (between 45 and 90 days, depending on home condition and your allergies)  
• Keep ducts dry.  
• Clear any debris and dust from in front of the air intakes.

Be on the safe side and apply an HVAC mold inhibitor. Environmental Protection Agency approved mold inhibitor products can prevent mold growth within your HVAC system. Ask the experts at Restoration 1 of Texas Hill Country for a recommendation appropriate for your home. 

For Mold Damage Cleanup In San Antonio 

If you find mold in your home, don’t resort to homemade concoctions or bleach. Visible mold on the surfaces should alert you to mold hiding below the surface. Using bleach might kill the mold on the surface, but the residual mold inside the material will continue to proliferate. In some cases, this escalates and the only safe option is to complete  removal and replacement. So if you find evidence of mold in your home, don’t make the problem worse. 

Get help from the mold remediation experts at Restoration 1 of San Antonio North & Texas Hill Country. Their technicians are certified and hold the Texas Mold Remediation License. They keep up with continuing education for safe and effective mold removal methods.