You’re installing a new air conditioning (AC) system, expecting a clean, effective system that will offer your home maximum coolness and comfort. Many homeowners do not consider the risk that even a new AC unit can develop a hidden problem: mold growth. While mold is commonly associated with older, neglected HVAC systems, it can also take root in newly installed units under certain conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore how mold can grow in new AC units, the factors that contribute to it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
The Link Between AC Units And Mold Growth
Mold only lives in cooler, darker, more humid climates—conditions regularly found within an air conditioning unit. Air conditioners naturally sweep out heat and humidity from room air, dropping water vapor and leaving condensation upon cooling down. Most condensation tends to reside on the evaporator coils, the framework elements of systems. Without efficient maintenance of that water, they promote the presence of mold and mildew growth inside the unit.
You might believe that mold is not an issue in a brand-new AC unit. But just because the unit is new doesn’t mean the conditions for mold growth don’t exist. Poor installation, maintenance, and even storage of a new unit can lead to the ideal breeding ground for mold.
Factors That Contribute To Mold Growth In New AC Units
Mold growth may also be experienced in new AC units due to many factors.
1. Faulty Installation
Incorrect installation is one of the most prevalent ways mold develops in a newly acquired AC unit. If the AC unit is installed incorrectly, water can gather where it should not, providing a setting that encourages mold development. For instance, incorrect duct sealing or misaligned condensate drains can contribute to water collection within the system. Without drainage, this still water becomes the perfect environment for mold spores.
Further, poor duct or insulation sealing enables moisture to amass in unsuspicious areas, such as the air handler or evaporator coils. Such conditions may invoke mold growth in an otherwise brand-new AC unit designed to optimize cooling.
2. Moisture Accumulation
Mold requires water to thrive, and AC systems tend to create moisture because of the cooling process. When the AC extracts warm, damp air from the room, condensation occurs on the evaporator coils and in the condensate pan. If this water is not efficiently drained or evaporated, it accumulates and creates an ideal mold breeding ground.
The water content of a newly installed AC system can sometimes be higher than normal because it is undergoing its startup cycle or due to any excess moisture from installation. If the condensate drain line is poorly installed or choked, water builds up in areas where mold proliferates. This is a concern, particularly when humid climates have a high moisture level.
3. Lack of Airflow
Airflow is also important in maintaining an AC unit in working condition and avoiding mold growth. New air conditioning units have been engineered to push air throughout the system for effective cooling and moisture evaporation. Without proper airflow from obstructed vents, dirty filters, or undersized ducts, moisture cannot easily escape.
When airflow is limited, water built up in the system can remain, making mold more likely to grow. Lack of airflow can also cause temperatures to fluctuate within the ducts, promoting mold spores’ growth in the system’s lower-temperature areas.
4. Poor Maintenance Practices
Lack of maintenance can cause mold problems even in a brand-new system. New equipment usually arrives with brand-new, clean parts, but forgetting regular maintenance can collect dust, debris, and other organic substances. Mold thrives on organic material; even minute dust or dirt can provide a perfect food supply for mold spores.
Not regularly cleaning filters, replacing the air filter when necessary, or checking and clearing drain lines may result in mold growth over time. New AC equipment that is not properly serviced is equally as likely to be susceptible to mold as older equipment.
5. Infrequent Use or Long Periods of Inactivity
It is simple to think that a new AC system that is idle for a season or the off-months will never develop mold problems. However, moisture can still build up in the coils, pan, or ducts when the system rests. In idle time, the moisture cannot evaporate or drain out effectively, leading to the perfect environment for mold development.
When the AC system is eventually switched on after months of inactivity, it can force mold spores into the air, causing health problems such as respiratory issues or allergic reactions. This is why cleaning and maintaining your system, even during off-seasons, is important to avoid mold growth.
The Signs Of Mold In Your New AC Unit
If you suspect that mold has grown within your new AC system, you can look out for these signs:
1. Musty Smells
One of the first indications of mold growth in an AC system is the lingering musty or earthy smell of the vents. Mold spores that have grown within the system and now travel throughout the house cause this odor.
2. Bloating, Allergies, or Respiratory Problems
Mold spores suspended in the air can cause allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and breathing trouble. If you or your household members have these symptoms when the AC is on, it can suggest the presence of mold in the system.
3. Visible Mold Growth
Mold growth may be visible on the coils, vents, or ducts in certain situations. If discoloration or fuzzy development exists in these areas of the AC system, you must deal with it immediately.
4. Water Damage or Stains
Pooling water around the AC unit or wall or ceiling staining near vents may suggest a drainage failure that allows mold growth. Leaks in water or failure of condensate lines to drain properly tend to create mold.
Avoiding Mold Growth In Your New AC Unit
Though the potential for mold growth in a new AC unit might be alarming, there are some steps you can follow to prevent this from occurring:
Ensure Proper Installation
Installing the AC system properly is the initial step in avoiding mold growth. Employ a professional HVAC technician who knows the significance of sealing ducts, aligning condensate lines, and providing proper airflow. A properly installed system is much less likely to have mold-related problems.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your AC unit mold-free. Clean the filters monthly, particularly during the cooling season, and replace them when necessary. Check the evaporator coils and condensate pan frequently for indications of excess moisture accumulation. Clear the drain lines to enable optimal water flow and avoid blockages.
Increase Airflow
If you find that your AC system is not circulating air well, get it checked. Proper airflow keeps moisture flowing through the system and prevents it from settling in the wrong places.
Run the AC During Off-Season
Even when it’s not required for cooling, operating your air conditioner during the off-season can prevent excessive moisture levels. This will also ensure mold spores do not settle in the system while it is not in use.
Use a Dehumidifier
Operating a dehumidifier with your AC unit can maintain ideal humidity levels in humid environments. It will also keep the air dry, which can help avoid moisture accumulation in the unit and reduce the possibility of mold growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mold develop in a new AC unit?
Yes, mold can develop in a new AC unit with improper installation, poor maintenance, or moisture accumulation due to clogged drains or low airflow.
What are the indicators of mold in my new AC unit?
Musty smells, worsening allergy attacks, apparent mold growth, or water leaks close to the unit or ducts are indicators of mold.
How can I keep mold from growing in my new AC system?
Regular maintenance, correct installation, adequate airflow ensuring, and intermittent system usage on off-seasons may assist.