If you’ve ever smelled it, you’ll likely never forget it. That unmistakable musty smell, deep and earthy, which signifies one contaminant that a homeowner does not want to have in their home: mold. Getting rid of mold in your home can be quite a battle, and if it is deep within your walls or appliances, you may require a professional’s help to remove it. The winter humidity and rainfall that is part of winter in the Asheville area increases the likelihood that your home may have a fungal problem.

Preventing mold growth in your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system can be tricky if you don’t understand how the spores are able to get into it. Here’s a quick look at how mold infiltration occurs:

• In places with high humidity, like Asheville, moisture from outside air accumulates in spaces where air circulation is low.
• Tight areas in your ductwork, bathrooms, and closets are all prone to infestation, and you should check them regularly.
• Small leaks from the exterior of your home also enable mold spores to sneak in, where they then can grow in walls. Mold uses wood and other building materials for food, and will damage your home’s wooden structure if it takes hold.

Proper installation and maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to preventing growth. Consider these tips when operating your unit:

• Variable-speed air handlers are super efficient at reducing humidity and limiting energy consumption, so choosing a unit with this feature is a wise decision.
• Oversized systems, though common, don’t operate at full dehumidifying capacity and as a result, less moisture is removed. Sizing and assessment should be done by an HVAC professional.
• Cooling coils and the drain pan are prone to fungal build-up. Check them regularly for proper drainage.

Knowing what causes growth and preventing it is the best way to guard against a potential colony of fungus from springing up in your home. At Smoky Mountain Heating & Air, we’re happy to offer our expert advise on stopping mold growth and treating existing problems in your HVAC unit. For further information on keeping your home comfortable and your system efficient, please contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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