Check Your Air Conditioner for Mold

In the hot, humid Southwest Florida climate mold growth in the home is always a concern. When an air conditioner is running, the condenser, located inside the home, creates condensation that accumulates into a pan before emptying down the condensation drain tube. If this tube becomes clogged, water can accumulate in the pan, allowing unhealthy mold and mildew to grow. By checking the drain pain occasionally and taking some basic maintenance steps you can prevent mold from growing.

Important: Before doing any work near the air conditioner always turn off the power first.

1. First, if you notice water accumulating in the evaporator pan, check to see if the drain line is obstructed with debris.
2. Clean out the evaporator pan with hot soapy water, a small amount of bleach, and a sponge.
3. Pour bleach through the pan’s condensate tube to kill mold and algae, which can clog the tube and cause the pan to overflow. Check the tube’s outside end to make sure it’s draining freely.
4. To prevent future mold and algae growth, place a chlorine tablet, the kind used for swimming pools, in the evaporator pan.

Have questions about maintaining your air conditioner? Give ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning a call, we’re here to help.