The 4 Mould In Air Conditioner Symptoms & Signs

Living here in Queensland is like getting a daily hug from the sun. But sometimes it feels more like an uncomfortably steamy bathroom with the heat lights on, doesn’t it? Phew, thank God for that air conditioner! But as lifesaving as switching on the cooling may feel, there’s a sneaky downside – mould. That combination of high humidity, even more moisture from condensation and the accumulation of dust and organic material creates the perfect playground for mould growth. And when it happens, it doesn’t just smell, it can even lead to or trigger allergies and respiratory conditions. Mould in air conditioner units on your mind?

Let’s run through what you should watch out for when dealing with mould in air conditioner units:

1. The smells

Probably the first thing you may notice is a musty, earthy, mouldy smell when you switch on that air conditioner. Sometimes air conditioning smells a little like that even when it’s not mouldy, so what you’re looking out for is something quite a bit worse – like wet, dirty socks.

2. The spots

If you start to notice tiny black or green spots around the vents, on the filter or inside the unit itself, you’re looking at mould. And if they’re black, it’s time to worry even more – because black mould produces mycotoxins that are very bad for you if you breathe them in or even touch them.

3. The symptoms

Step that worries into an even higher gear, though, if you and your family suddenly start to get symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses when the air conditioner gets turned on. If you’re wheezing, short of breath, coughing or have an irritated throat, that’s an even more alarming sign of mould exposure. And you might even experience skin rashes or itchy skin, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and worse.

4. The signs

When was your last air conditioner service? Check your air filters, because if they’re really clogged with dirt and grime then you’re just setting the stage for mould in aircon. That mould growth may already have begun, so also watch out for excess moisture from the unit or even pooling water.

Quick fix: How to clean mould from aircon

Think you might be dealing with a mouldy aircon? Here’s what to do next:

• Turn it off to stop the circulation of mould in aircon
• Open the windows to ventilate
• Wear protective gear and thoroughly inspect the unit, filters, vents, lines & drain pans
• Clean/replace the filters
• Carefully clean the affected interior and exterior parts with water & white vinegar or bleach.

Get rid of mould in air conditioner for good

While this can help with the aircon mould you’re dealing with right now, the skilled air conditioning technicians at Static Electrics can do a lot more. We have the gear, the expertise and the training to really get rid of deep-seated mould and restore your unit to efficient, safe functionality – whilst implementing any air conditioning repairs and then following up with a regular professional aircon maintenance and servicing regimen.

Want to make sure your air conditioner mould removal is done right? Have a chat with the experienced and friendly team at Static Electrics today.