Atlanta, Georgia – Unfortunately, mold is a part of our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not. One area homeowners need to watch closely for accumulation of mold is their AC unit. Without you even knowing, mold can develop and begin spreading through the home as the unit distributes air.

Since many homeowners don’t regularly inspect their heating and cooling units in their Atlanta homes, how can they know if mold has developed? Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning, an air conditioning repair company, says that the best way to determine if mold is in a home is if the home develops a strange smell.

“Mold smells musty, so if you begin to notice a musty smell that wasn’t there before, the culprit could be mold,” says Montgomery, whose company also provides furnace service. “As soon as you notice a smell, you should call your AC technician to inspect the unit. Another big indicator is if you’ve had a leak in your unit. If either of these occur, call a technician right away.”

Mold flourishes in dark moist areas, meaning inside an air conditioning unit is the perfect place for mold to develop. Mold can also begin to accumulate during the winter months when an AC unit isn’t used. Water will condense on the unit’s coils, and if dirt or dust happen to be on the coils, the combination can result in mold. Using an incorrect filter can also result in mold because the filter could allow dust to pass through, which will then gather on the coils. If a home has a unit that is too big or if the intake is located in an area that may have mold, mold can then accumulate in the unit itself.

Mold can also gather in the ductwork of a home if moisture seeps in. It is important to be sure all ductwork is properly sealed and there are no leaks. It is also important to regularly clean ductwork to remove debris and dust, especially after construction or remodeling work.

“My clients don’t need to worry too much, though,” says Montgomery. “There are ways to effectively clean mold to keep the unit working properly and prevent residents from getting sick.”

The most important thing Montgomery tells his clients is to be diligent about changing their air filters. Air filters are important because they keep the dust and other debris that can trigger mold growth from entering the AC unit. Using the correct filter is essential and homeowners should always pay attention to the rating of the filter. Higher rated filters will be better at keeping more debris out.

Montgomery also advises clients to have their HVAC units regularly inspected. A licensed technician will be able to search for leaks, clean dirty units, and be sure homeowners are using the proper filters. Montgomery recommends that homeowners have their units cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

Mold is dangerous to a home’s residents and can cause serious health issues. Skin irritation and headaches can occur, as can more serious side effects that can worsen over time. Mold is especially dangerous because most times it cannot be seen. If a home’s residents experience health problem that cannot be explained, they should immediately see a physician and have their homes inspected for mold.