Black Mold in Air Conditioner: Signs, Effects and Health Risks

6 min read

Discovering black mold in your property’s air conditioner can be concerning and potentially harmful. Not only can it compromise the overall air quality within your home, but it can also pose serious health risks to you and your family.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what black mold is, the signs that indicate the presence of black mold, the potential effects of long-term exposure to black mold symptoms, and what you can do to prevent or address black mold in air conditioner units. By understanding the dangers of black mold in your air conditioner, you can take the necessary steps, such as seeking mold removal in Everett, to maintain a healthy living environment for your household, tenants, and those occupying your property.

What Is Black Mold?

Black mold is the common name of Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of fungus that can grow in indoor spaces. It typically has a black or dark green color and has a slimy texture. Like any other type of mold, black mold starts as dormant spores in the air. These spores are harmless and don’t grow until they’re in a location with the right conditions for them to thrive.

Factors such as humidity, oxygen, temperature, and food sources are necessary for mold growth. While all spaces in your property are vulnerable to mold, these factors are most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and basements. Black mold tends to grow on porous substances that it can feed on, such as drywall and wood, but it can also grow in damp locations or areas with plenty of water condensation.

While black mold is often referred to as a toxic mold variant, there is no evidence to suggest black mold is fatal or more dangerous than any other mold type. Like other forms of mold growth, black mold can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. It’s also linked to several respiratory symptoms and conditions, such as sinusitis and bronchitis.

Signs of Black Mold in Air Conditioner

Black mold can develop in your air conditioner unit for reasons such as moisture build-up, high humidity, condensation, and poor ventilation. Additionally, air vents have plenty of dark and undisturbed areas where mold can thrive and spread into your air conditioning unit. Some signs of black mold in your air conditioner include:

• Musty Odor: This is a noticeable smell coming from your air conditioning unit, especially after turning your air conditioning on.
• Black Spots: These black spots can spread around your unit, especially around the air filters and evaporator coils.
• Mold in Vents and Air Ducts: If your air duct has signs of mold, it could spread through the air vents and affect your air conditioning unit.
• Allergic Reaction: If your allergies are triggered when the air conditioner is on, your unit may be spreading substances from black mold in the air.

If you suspect mold in your air conditioning unit but don’t see visible black mold outside, contact a professional technician who can perform mold removal in Everett. They can assess your air conditioning unit for mold and recommend the necessary steps to remove mold. They may also recommend repairs for underlying issues leading to mold growth.

Effects of Black Mold in Your Air Conditioner

Left unchecked, mold in air conditioner units can impact your health and property. Some effects that could occur include:

• Minor Symptoms: Some people experience minor symptoms such as nasal irritation, coughing, and wheezing. These symptoms can eventually disappear after they leave your property or avoid exposure to air-conditioned air.
• Severe Respiratory Symptoms: Those with asthma and chronic respiratory conditions may experience trouble breathing, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term exposure to black mold symptoms can lead to asthma attacks, pneumonia, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
• Technical Issues: Black mold in air conditioner units can affect your unit’s performance. Clogged air filters or evaporator and dirty evaporator coils can result in your unit working overtime to achieve your desired temperature. This can lead to gradual damage, affecting its longevity and how long your property can go before replacing your unit.

Preventive Measures for Black Mold in Your Air Conditioner

It’s much easier and more practical to take preventative measures than leave your air conditioner vulnerable to mold and seek mold removal in Everett. There are ways to prevent mold growth in your air conditioner. These include:

• Unit Sealing: Sealing your air conditioner units can prevent moisture from entering sensitive components that can promote black mold growth. This proactive measure ensures that the air conditioner remains mold-free and operates efficiently.
• Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, creating an indoor environment less conducive to black mold growth.
• Promoting Airflow: Proper ventilation and regular air circulation discourage moisture build-up in the vents and around your air conditioner. Additionally, adequate airflow can help reduce humidity levels, further inhibiting mold formation.
• Address Water Leaks: When leaks are left unattended, water can seep into the unit, creating a damp environment ideal for mold growth.
• Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: We recommend cleaning your air conditioner every three to four months to reduce dust, dirt, and moisture that provide ideal conditions for mold growth. Additionally, routine inspections ensure that any issues with drainage or condensation are promptly addressed.

Trust Restoration 1 for Mold Removal in Everett Properties

Understanding how black mold develops in your air conditioner can help you maintain your unit and avoid the health risks of immediate and long-term exposure to black mold symptoms. Taking necessary precautions ensures that your air conditioner remains mold-free, allowing you to breathe clean, fresh air and enjoy optimal comfort in your indoor space.

Don’t DIY your mold removal solutions if you suspect black mold is in your air conditioner. Instead, give Restoration 1 of Everett a call. Our mold remediation specialists can remove mold effectively from your unit, vents, ducts, and other areas where it can spread. We can also diagnose the underlying issue that promotes mold growth on your property.

We service residential and commercial properties in Everett, MA, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a mold removal appointment.