If you have mold in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you may be at risk of becoming ill. This is because particles can be carried away by the airflow and many people may not even realize that they can get sick from mold. However, they'll be surprised to notice the difference once the mold has been cleaned up. Living or working near an old, moldy air conditioner can increase your chances of getting a respiratory infection.
Mold can cause symptoms such as throat irritation, wheezing, and congestion. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to check your environment for mold. Check the inside of the air conditioning unit's vents for small spots and remove the filter to inspect it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and loves to grow in air conditioning systems.
If you see mold or mildew growing in or around the air conditioning unit, it means the system isn't draining properly and needs to be repaired. But even if you don't see mold, it may still be in the system and circulating throughout the house. If you have a mold allergy, this could be making you unwell. Mold anywhere in your home can make you sick, of course.
However, mold in air conditioning units is particularly prone to causing illness, as every time the air conditioner is turned on, mold spores are released into the air, where they are easily inhaled.
