Mold In Air Handler Insulation

The insulation in air handler in my previous home became covered with mold.

Mold in air handler insulation. Mold typically does not grow on metal glass and plastic. I often find mold on the exterior of air conditioning systems more often than the interior. It turned out that the system have a refrigerant leak and the leak meant the system was running almost continuously and producing a lot of condensate. You could also use an insulating hvac paint they use on ducts.

Because of this the most common places you find black mold include walls carpeting insulation furniture and ceilings. Enough of that moisture was transported to the air handler to saturate the fiberglass insulation. Mold spores naturally traveling in the air attach to damp areas then begin to grow. This is typical if you find condensation or microbial growth around the air handler joints connections to ductwork to the plenum.

Unfortunately for homeowners black mold also loves air vents where spores are naturally circulated. In some cases the air handlers simply are not insulated well enough in areas. Mix 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach with 3 quarts of warm water and add 1 3 cup of powdered detergent. Air conditioner air handler rust condensate leaks wet insulation mold hazards leaks in the air handler can cause rust damage and may invite mold contamination in the ahu or in the hvac system ductwork.

How to remove mold from an air handler. Wear a respirator and goggles to prevent mold spores from interfering with your breathing or vision. Wear rubber gloves since bleach. The outside of ducts more often than inside.