As your air conditioner works to keep the inside of your home cool, it also removes moisture from your indoor air. The water collects in the unit's drain pan and is drained away, but the constant presence of moisture creates an increased chance for mold to develop. Not only can this mold cause problems with water overflows, but it can also contribute to allergies and respiratory problems.You can tackle the problem of mold in the drain pan using the following three steps.
Keep your home's inside environment clean: A clean home reduces the amount of dust, microorganisms, pollen and other contaminants that circulate through your air conditioning system. By limiting the presence of these substances, they are less likely to get into your cooling system's ductwork and make their way into the air conditioner's drain pan. Since these contaminants contribute to mold growth, reducing their presence reduces the likelihood of mold in the drain pan of your A/C.
Maintain clean filters in the air conditioner:Filters are important for capturing dust and airborne contaminants in the air flowing through your air conditioning system. They keep your indoor air clean and prevent microorganisms and particulates from accumulating in the air conditioner's drain pan. Filters also help keep mold spores from other parts of the house from establishing themselves within your air conditioning system. Check filters every month and change them if they are dirty. Filters should be changed every three months as part of regular maintenance.
Watch for drainage problems: Regularly check the drainage system and drain pan to make sure water is being effectively removed from the system. If there is standing water in the drain pan, there is probably a clog somewhere within the drain pipes. Keep the drain pan clear of excess water and call for repair of drainage problems when you notice them.
Air Assurance has more than 30 years of professional experience in the HVAC industry, which means customers in Tulsa and the Broken Arrow areas can count us for reliable, expert service. Contact us today for more information on controlling mold in the drain pan of your air conditioner.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock