Heat pumps are all the rage for efficiently managing both heating and cooling of your home.

That is, until mold sets in. Mold can settle in a heat pump easier than you might think.

Find out how it gets there, how to get rid of it and how to prevent mold from returning to your heat pump.

How Does Mold Get Inside a Heat Pump?

If mold starts to grow inside your heat pump or air conditioning unit, it can negatively affect the performance of the unit.

Mold that has settled inside a heat pump can also be distributed throughout your home through your HVAC distribution system.

If your heat pump is clogged or dirty and moisture from normal condensation gets inside, mold will find it’s way to the damp dirt or clog then begin to grow and spread. If you throw humidity into the mix, mold will grow and spread even faster.

In addition to all the health problems mold causes when inside your HVAC system, another big problem is a decrease in efficiency and performance. When mold grows and spreads on a heat pump’s internal parts, functional components like fans and coils can’t support proper airflow.

Without proper airflow, the entire system can seize up or overheat, at which point you’ll probably be looking at a hefty repair bill.

Even if the heat pump continues working, it will have to work a lot harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. You’ll know that by the increase in your monthly energy bills.

The cooling portion of the pump can also suffer from mold if there’s excessive moisture or water leaking inside the unit.

Getting Rid of Mold in a Heat Pump

You can check for mold by making sure there aren’t any leaks, excessive condensation or standing water around the outside of the unit.

Check visible fins, fans, and coils for signs of mold.

The other option is to call in a professional since they know specifically what to look for and inspect.

When you first notice mold growing inside your heat pump and it’s still a fairly small amount of 10 square feet or less, you can clean the mold yourself. If it’s a larger area or you’re not sure how bad the problem is, call in a professional mold remediation company for an inspection.

Before treating the mold, be sure to wear a mask, eye protection, gloves, long pants and sleeves to avoid skin contact with active mold and/or mold spores.

Follow these steps for cleaning:

  • Turn off the heat pump and/or AC unit.
  • Open the unit and visually inspect the inside for signs of moisture or active mold.
  • If the insulation or filters are damp, remove, seal tight inside a plastic baggie and discard.
  • Suck up excess water with a wet dry vac.
  • Sop up all remaining water and moisture with clean absorbent towels.
  • Spray a disinfectant directly on the mold and wipe away.
  • After thoroughly drying every part of the unit, install new insulation and filters before closing up the unit.

Preventing Mold from Settling in a Heat Pump

Now that you’ve successfully removed mold from your heat pump or had it professionally removed, the goal is to prevent it from coming back.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Watch for issues with draining, leaking, or standing water in or around the unit.
  • Regularly clean dirt and grime from the fins and coils of the unit with a special coil cleaner or diluted all-purpose cleaner and soft brush.
  • Keep humidity levels inside your home down with the help of a dehumidifier.

Conclusion

Keeping an eye on mold growth in your heat pump or AC unit is easier when you know that to look for.

For a professional inspection, cleaning, and preventative maintenance, contact the HVAC experts at Dale HCS in Santa Rosa.