There have been a few days with temperatures in the 80's already this spring. Soon, the NC heat and humidity will settle in for the summer and air conditioners will be working hard to keep up.
The proper sizing, design, installation and maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to help control indoor mold. Problems in any of these areas can cause issues with humidity levels or condensation, both of which are key moisture sources for mold growth in your home.
Your HVAC system and its associated ductwork also provides a vehicle to transport mold spores throughout your home once a problem starts. A little preventative maintenance now will help ensure that your systems operates effectively throughout the summer and does not contribute to indoor mold growth.
Remember that HVAC contractors are busiest during peak summer heat and winter cold periods. Schedule a preventative maintenance check of your cooling system now to ensure you are ready when the temperatures start to rise.
The Energy Star website offers these tips for homeowners to ensure your HVAC contractor is keeping your cooling system operating at peak performance:
1) Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
2) Check the central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.
3) Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent.
4) Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
5) Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
6) Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.
7) Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels. Air Matters reminds you that this can lead to mold growth.
And don't forget to change your air filters regularly!
Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 25 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Indoor Air Quality Association. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.
