All About How to Keep Mold Out of Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are a popular and budget-friendly way to cool your home in the summer. But, if not taken care of, they can become a perfect place for mold to grow. Mold likes the dark and damp space inside the unit, and it can send out spores that may cause breathing issues. Then, the ultimate concern comes regarding how to keep mold out of window air conditioner. 

The simple process is to keep things clean! Regularly clean the filter, coils, and the outside of the unit. Make sure water drains well, use a dehumidifier, and don’t cool too much to avoid extra moisture.

In this simple guide, we’ll dive into details on how to do these things and keep your cooling unit working well.

Let’s get started.

Why Does Mold Grow in the First Place?

Ever wonder why mold shows up? It happens when there’s too much moisture hanging around, and it doesn’t get cleaned up. Now, here’s the tricky part about mold—it starts from these tiny things called spores. If you see mold and wipe it away, you might think it’s gone, but those spores can end up in the air and land somewhere else. Then, they start making more molds fast.

Why is Mold Bad?

Now, why is mold a problem? Well, there’s a debate about whether it’s bad for everyone’s health. Some people can get sick from any kind of mold, and doctors worry that breathing in mold can mess with your lungs and breathing. The thing with air conditioners is that they’re always blowing cold air, and if there’s mold inside, it’s spreading those spores everywhere. Even if you’re not sure if mold is really harmful, it’s pretty clear it can cause health issues.

And, let’s be real, mold isn’t nice to look at. Imagine going to someone’s house and seeing mold on the walls, windows, or air conditioner—it makes you question how clean the place is. Most folks wouldn’t be thrilled seeing a mold-covered air conditioner or any part of a home, for that matter.

How to Keep Mold Out of Window Air Conditioner

Mold really likes dampness, and your window air conditioner is a perfect place for it to grow. Whether you have a modern ductless unit or a regular window AC, mold can show up. 

But don’t worry; there are some easy things you can do to stop mold in the window air conditioner from becoming a problem.

Regular Cleaning is Key

Keep it clean! Here’s an easy tip: clean your window air conditioner every month. First, turn it off and unplug it to be safe. Take out the filter and wash it with mild soap and water. Let it dry completely before putting it back. One more thing: clean the filter every two to four weeks, especially if you use the AC a lot.

Why? Mold likes dusty places. By cleaning your AC regularly, you get rid of dust and stuff, lowering the chance of mold growing inside.

Seal the Deal

Time to seal things up! Here’s an easy tip: see if there are any holes or openings around your window AC unit. Use weather-stripping or caulking to close these gaps really well.

Why? Even tiny openings let moisture in, and that’s like a welcome mat for mold. Window AC sealing works wonders here. By sealing these gaps, you not only keep the cool air inside but also stop too much moisture from getting in.

Clean the Coils

These are inside the unit and make the air cool. Give them a good cleaning every spring and fall. You can use a coil cleaner or a soft brush.

Ventilate Wisely

Let’s keep things fresh! Here’s a simple tip: make sure the room where your AC is has good airflow. Use fans or open windows every now and then to let in some fresh air.

Why? Good airflow lowers how much dampness is in the air. Mold really likes it humid, so by keeping the air moving, you make it harder for mold to grow.

Keep the Drip Pan Dry

Time to handle the drip pan! Here’s a simple tip: find the drip pan under your window AC and check it often. If you see any water sitting there, clean it up right away.

Why? Drip pans collect water from the AC, and if it just sits there, mold can start growing. Keeping it dry stops mold spores from finding a home.

Watch for Warning Signs

Stay alert! Here’s an easy tip: keep an eye out for any weird smells or signs of mold near your window AC. If you notice anything, deal with it right away.

Why? Spotting issues early lets you fix them fast, stopping a small mold problem from becoming a big headache.

Prevent Moisture Buildup

When moisture builds up in the air conditioner, it becomes a perfect place for mold to grow. This can lead to breathing problems and make the unit work less effectively. 

To stop this moisture problem, here’s what you can do:

• Make sure water drains properly: Check that the drain where the water goes out is clear and that the unit is slightly tilted so water can flow out well.

• Use a dehumidifier: If your home is too humid, use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture in the air.

• Don’t cool too much: Avoid setting the thermostat too low. If it’s too cold, the AC makes more water, causing extra moisture.

Inspect Regularly

Keeping your window air conditioner free from mold is super important, and regular checks are the key. Mold doesn’t just mess with the air quality; it can also mess up how well your unit works. 

Here’s what you can do to make sure everything stays in good shape:

• Keep an eye out for mold: So, how can I tell if there’s mold inside the window AC? Look for any black or green spots, which means mold is growing. If you see any, use a mold cleaner to get rid of it.

• Also, get a pro to check it: Every year or two, have a skilled technician look at your unit. This makes sure your air conditioner is doing its job right and helps catch any problems that could lead to mold.

By doing these things regularly, you’ll have a happy and healthy air conditioner, giving you a summer full of nice, cool air.

Wrapping Up

So, to sum it all up in our guide, “How to Keep Mold Out of Window Air Conditioner,” it’s pretty simple. Just a bit of work can make sure your cooling unit stays healthy and mold-free. Do easy things like cleaning it regularly, making sure the air can move around well, and checking it now and then. Then, you’ll have a summer with nice, cool air without any worries.

FAQs