A helpful guide on how to remove mold from Window AC units.

Does the air coming out of your AC unit have a damp or musty smell? If so, it could be due to mold. This can lead to health issues that you won’t notice until your system has been in operation for a while.

Trying to fix the root of the problem has far more benefits than just ridding your home of the mildew smell. Breathing in mold spores can lead to health challenges like coughing, wheezing, or an itchy throat.

If you can see mold on your window AC unit or a lingering odor indicates growth is happening just beyond the vent grille, don’t ignore it. We’re going to help you determine if you’re facing a DIY job, need to hire a pro, or may even need to PURCHASE A NEW AIR CONDITIONER.

Is mold in air conditioner units harmful?

If there is mold in your home, it can release spores that you could inhale. According to the CDC, “molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold.”

Mould can develop in your air conditioning system due to problems like clogged air filters, broken seals, and the system getting flooded. If you want to avoid serious issues such as mold damage or mildew growth, it’s important to replace or clean your unit regularly.

Mold is a well-known allergen and can create issues for people with allergies. The most common symptoms include:

• Coughing

• Postnasal drip

• Sneezing

• Dry, scaly skin

• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat

• Nasal congestion

If you have asthma, be careful. Mold may cause an attack. Typical symptoms of an asthma attack caused by mold are any of these:

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing

• Chest tightness

If you have a MOLD ALLERGY and think you might be sensitive to window units, it may become more severe over time. These symptoms can be treated quickly by inspecting the unit in question and may require professional mold inspections if the window unit is not fixed.

Mold problems are common in AC units & home ducts. A professional cleaning may be the answer if you have mold spores in those areas. Poor Indoor Air Quality can happen if there’s water damage, a lack of ventilation, or any number of other causes.

What is the main cause of black mold in air conditioners?

Even with the best window A/C unit, mold may grow if it’s unused for too long. This is why it’s important to clean your unit regularly and maintain its air filter.

For example, during the winter months, it’s common for the dust to build up in your vents. With the right balance of humidity, mold could start to grow, feeding off of dust particles.

You’d likely be unaware of the air conditioner’s black mold problem until you turn on the unit in the summer months. Then a musty odor will begin to make its way around the room.

Mold can begin to develop if there is a leak in the condenser or evaporator coil. This moisture sometimes remains in the unit, which allows mold to grow. Plus, dirty filters can provide food for the mold and compensate for their growth, even more than usual.

Many air purifiers have a light to indicate when the filter needs to be cleaned. You may also consult your manual for instructions on how to do this.

Can You Remove Mold from Your Window AC?

Cleaning up mold can be very difficult, difficult, and messy. Regardless of where you are cleaning – be it at your home or office, key points to consider when working include proper ventilation. First, grab some help to safely remove the AC and store it in a sturdy spot for cleaning. It’s best to remove the mold from the air conditioner parts outdoors so you can have all the fresh air you need to combat any mold or fumes.

Be sure to wear gloves & a face mask with goggles. By following these safety guidelines you can avoid exposure to fumes that may irritate your respiratory system.

Mold removal instructions for a Window AC unit

1. Safety first: Please put on your safety gear (mask, glasses, gloves)

2. Remove AC: To clean the unit thoroughly, it needs to be removed from its indoor spot. This can be done by turning off the AC and unplugging it from power before moving it somewhere outdoor or outdoors like in your backyard or garage floor.

3. Disassemble: To remove the front grille of your unit, pull it forward and push it slightly down. Screws are usually used to attach the grille but on some units there may be other attachment methods.

4. Remove filter: The filter is located within the air conditioner’s front grille. Most filters are reusable and can easily be cleaned with soap and water, while other disposable filters may need to be replaced according to your needs.

5. Clean reusable filter: Here’s a simple way to wash your filter! Fill your sink or bathtub with a couple of inches of warm water and dish soap. Spray the filter with CLR & allow it to soak for 15 minutes.

6. Scrub filter: Next, scrub both sides of the filter with the brush to clean it. Rinse out the filter and hang it to dry.

7. Remove cover: Next, go back to your air conditioner unit and take out the screws keeping the metal cover in place behind the front body grill and lift it upwards

8. Vacuum dust: Use the vacuum and the attachments to remove any dirt or debris from the inside of your unit. You can use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any visible signs of mold growth.

9. Scrub the mold: If you are noticing a buildup of mold on your air conditioning unit, spray it liberally with the cleaner and scrub off any mold that you can see. If you can see mold on your AC’s front grille, it could be a good idea to try cleaning it with a household solution. Allow the cleanser to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water and some cloths.

10. Allow drying time: Let the unit, filter, grille, and metal cover dry completely.

11. Install clean unit: Reassemble the air conditioning unit. Place it in the desired window and plug it into power.

This is a lot of work. By the time you see small mold spots on the grates or in the vents of your window AC, then it may be too late The mold you see is just the external- you should take apart the unit and try to clean all of the molds out. It’s a lot of work, but it might be worth it if you can actually get rid of all the mold before it starts growing back.

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System

A moldy window unit likely needs to be replaced. It may be time for a system upgrade. Today’s air conditioners have become much more efficient and can improve your quality of life. We will work with you to give you a customized solution for your AC needs. An HVAC specialist will spend time assessing your home’s needs and find the perfect HVAC solution.

Our air condition specialists will help you choose the best A/C system for your home’s needs while making installation as easy and as affordable as possible. And, the best time to purchase a new system is now while demand is low and we have our specials.

Summer Deals:

• 0% Financing
• $250 Instant Rebate
• FREE Wi-Fi thermostat upgrade with the purchase of a new installation or replacement.

Whether you own a central air conditioning unit, heat pump, or a ductless mini-split, Hillside’s HVAC technicians have the training, certifications, and knowledge to install these cooling systems.

Call 302-738-4144 (DE & PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD) or fill out the form on this page to schedule a FREE estimate with Jerry. 🙂