Living in Florida means you get to experience warm temperatures and beautiful weather for most of the year. However, the period from late May through October brings quite a bit of rain. It’s during this rainy season that you must take extra caution against mold growth throughout your home. If not properly managed, the mold can make its way into your HVAC system, causing major problems such as poor indoor air quality, unpleasant odors, and respiratory issues. Here at Poulin Cooling, we understand how costly and aggravating mold growth can be. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide on how to prevent mold in your HVAC system during Florida’s rainy season.
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold is a problem during the rainy season because it thrives in damp, dark places. As moisture from humidity or rain combines with dust and organic particles, it can settle inside ductwork, coils, and drip pans. Ideally, this moisture will drain through a drain line, but this isn’t always the case. It can easily accumulate when there’s a clog, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Poor ventilation and clogged filters can also contribute to excess humidity, further exacerbating mold problems.
Change Air Filters Every 30 to 90 Days
One of the best ways to keep mold from infiltrating your HVAC system is to keep the air filter changed on a regular basis. For forced air systems, this involves cleaning or replacing the filter once every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets at home, you might need more frequent changes. For ductless systems, you should change the filter every two weeks. A clean filter enhances airflow, which minimizes moisture buildup inside the system. As a result, there’s a lower chance of mold growth.
Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters
It also helps to use the right type of air filter. A high-rated MERV filter can trap microscopic particles and remove airborne mold spores. This reduces mold growth in the ductwork and indoor air by limiting the spread of contaminants and improving overall air quality. If you decide to use an upgraded filter, you’ll first need to check its compatibility with your HVAC system. Using the wrong filter with an incompatible system restricts airflow, straining your HVAC and increasing the chances of mold growth.
Seal Ductwork to Prevent Moisture Intrusion
Leaky air ducts make mold growth problems worse by drawing in humid air. The added moisture will collect inside ducts and eventually create an ideal environment for mold to thrive. To keep this from happening, you can have our team seal leaky ducting.
Ensure Proper Drainage From Condensate Pan
The job of a condensate drain line and pan is to collect and channel excess moisture away from your HVAC system. When the drain line has a hole or clog in it, it will overflow or leak. This increases the risk of mold growth by allowing stagnant water to pool inside the system. A cracked drain pan will leak water and fail to catch condensation, leading to water damage and microbial buildup. By checking the drain line and pan on a regular basis, you’ll know when to repair or replace them before problems develop.
Run the HVAC Fan on Auto
When the fan on an AC is constantly running, it will blow moisture from the evaporator coil back into your home. By setting the AC to Auto, the coil has time to drain the water properly, which is key to preventing mold growth.
Use A Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Stable indoor temperatures are vital to eliminating mold growth because mold thrives in environments with fluctuating warmth and excess moisture. With a programmable or smart thermostat, it becomes much easier to keep the temperature constant. Many smart thermostats even have features that can alert you to humidity problems.
Install A Whole House Ventilation System
If you have a tightly sealed home, it can be even more difficult to keep humidity problems at bay. Fortunately, you can use a whole-house ventilation system to help. This type of setup exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. It balances humidity levels, so the moisture doesn’t accumulate or promote mold growth.
Work with the Pros!
Poulin Cooling has expert solutions for preventing mold growth in your HVAC system. We’re ready year-round to help with HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations. Call Poulin Cooling now to book reliable HVAC services in Clearwater, FL.