Do It Yourself Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance- Getting Rid of Mold
While scientific studies are inconclusive about whether dirty air ducts contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, many homeowners feel that an annual or bi-annual cleaning of the air ducts increases the air quality of their home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have a blanket recommendation for or against duct cleaning; they, along with industry association and practitioners suggest cleaning the ducts if:
- there is visible mold and mildew present.
- your ducts are infested with rodents or insects
- the ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and/or dirt.
The combination of displaced dust and dirt with the condensation of your air conditioner may lead to mold. Since mold thrives in environments with humidity above 70%, keeping your air conditioner running will help combat the problem. Should you decide to tackle the issue, it’s a fairly easy do-it-yourself project. Many companies also specialize in air duct cleaning and mold removal. Whether you do it yourself or call in an expert, the steps are the same.
You’ll need some basic equipment to battle the mold:
- a muffin tin or old ice cube tray, to keep the screws separated once they are removed.
- A vacuum
- a long handled brush
- oil can
- clean cloth or paper towels
- household cleaner
- a screwdriver
- a new filter
Begin by removing the filter. Remove the front grill from the outside of the unit. Place the metal screws in your tray, and then check the fan for holes. Add a few drops of oil to keep it running smoothly. Use your long handled brush to remove any surface dust and dirt. Spray with cleaner and let stand 15 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel. Vacuum any remaining residue.
Brush and clean (with cleaner) any dirt and dust from the condenser. Spray with cleaner, let stand and wipe clean. Wipe the fan blades, and give the entire unit an additional once over with the vacuum cleaner. Empty and clean water base. Because this section of your unit holds the most standing water, expect to see more mold in here. Let it dry completely and then reassemble the unit.
Your local heating and cooling technician can also perform this service, as either part of, or in addition too, your yearly tune up. Be sure to ask about eliminating mold when you call to have your air conditioner serviced.