We called out an HVAC guy to service the unit before summer comes around.

We just wanted to make sure the coils were cleaned and everything was working good.

But then when he went into the unit he told us there was mold in there.

Or rather, "microbial particles" because he couldn't legally say it was mold.

I want to preface this by saying that my dad and I aren't very knowledgeable with HVAC systems.

we know basic things and basic maintenance but I'm posting today for advice.

and i'm hoping to get off-the-record advice – preferably no business spiels.

We were quoted $4500 to clean the mold out of our system, which includes: 2 polarized-media electronic air cleaners, 2 UVC lamps to keep the mold from coming back, limited lifetime warranty on electronic components, 2 year warranty on the lamps, he will remove the blower assembly, clean the blower wheel, clean the blower housing, clean the motor, re-install the blower assembly, clean the duct work, fog the duct work and I think that's it.

I live 20 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona.

The system is a 2011 Goodman.

i don't currently have the model number, sorry.

Yes the system is old but it's been maintained regularly by the guy who installed it off of another mobile home.

I live in a mobile home in a mobile home park and it's an outdoor unit, and has heating and cooling all in one.

And it's electric/no fuel.

Pictures are included of the mold.

But I was reading that it's common for HVAC units to get mold and not all mold is obviously bad.

My dad and I aren't experiencing any health issues like coughing or breathing issues or anything.

We didn't call out the HVAC guy for a mold issue; it was just something he found and we aren't sure if we need to throw out thousands of dollars to fix the issue right now or not.

Like I said, we live in a mobile home so we are low income.

We don't have $5k sitting around.

So is this something to invest in and pay thousands of dollars for to clean?

Can we clean the mold ourselves?

Are there any products or devices or someone we can call to let us know what type of mold it is?

Should we get an air quality monitor for the air in the house and see if it tells us that there's a mold problem in the air?

Will the monitors tell me what kind of mold it is?

Should we hire a professional air quality detector to come out and test the air?

It seems like it would be cheaper to buy two $200 air purifiers and put them in our 980 sq ft home to catch all of the mold and dust and allergens; would this be a more affordable option that could help the air quality?

I found a couple of products on a website and it mentions buying BioSpray Tower to clean the mold and BBJ Mold Control that will control mold growth for 2 years (both safe for HVAC units).

Should we buy something like these? What about just spraying with plain bleach?

Any information and advice is appreciated.

We don't want to be breathing in mold spores and eventually get sick or something.

But we aren't sure if we're being scammed.

And we want to know if there's a more affordable way of dealing with this.

Question from user kh7190 at hvacadvice at reddit.

Answer:

Dealing with mold in your HVAC unit requires thorough cleaning and preventive measures.

Here are some steps you can take:

Safety Precautions: Before starting any cleaning, ensure you have proper protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, to prevent exposure to mold spores.

Turn off the HVAC System: Shut off the power to your HVAC system to ensure safety during the cleaning process.

Inspect and Identify Mold: Check the components of your HVAC system, including air ducts, coils, drip pans, and filters, for visible mold growth.

Mold often appears as dark spots or discoloration.

Clean or Replace Air Filters: If your air filters are visibly contaminated with mold, replace them with new ones.

If they are reusable, clean them thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Clean the Condensate Drain Pan and Line: Mold can grow in the condensate drain pan and line.

Clean the pan using a mixture of water and mild detergent.

Use a brush to scrub away mold and debris.

Flush the drain line with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar to remove any mold or clogs.

Clean the Evaporator Coil: Mold can develop on the evaporator coil inside the HVAC unit.

Carefully clean the coil using a specialized coil cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and take precautions to avoid damaging the coil.

Clean the Air Ducts: If you suspect mold growth in the air ducts, it is recommended to hire a professional duct cleaning service.

They have the necessary equipment and expertise to thoroughly clean the ductwork and remove mold.

Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can contribute to mold growth.

Open windows, use exhaust fans, and maintain a comfortable humidity level (around 30-50%).

Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system to keep it clean and functioning optimally.

This includes changing filters regularly, inspecting and cleaning components, and addressing any issues promptly.

If you're unsure or uncomfortable dealing with mold in your HVAC unit, it's best to contact a professional HVAC technician or mold remediation specialist.

They can assess the situation, safely remove mold, and provide recommendations to prevent future growth.

how to deal with mold in our hvac unit