Is this white stuff in my a/c mold?
April 19, 2022 6:47 AM Subscribe
How can I tell whether this white stuff inside our central air-conditioning air-handler is mold?
We have a history of moisture inside our central air-conditioning ducts and air-handler (which was installed about five years ago, replacing an ancient, leaky unit). The soft ducts have been replaced, and the air-handler has been cleaned several years in a row.
Leaving the service panel off of the air-handler over the winter cut way down on the moisture, by allowing the interior to be the same relative temperature as the attic space. The techs all agreed it's a clever idea, and one or two now do it in their own home!
But last week, they came out to do what we expected to be a routine inspection, and found some white stuff inside the air-handler (specifically, on the steel interior panels of the blower compartment; the coils are clean).
They want another $LOTS to clean the damn thing again, and we're interested in some confirmation that it's not benign (e.g., dust).
We have a history of moisture inside our central air-conditioning ducts and air-handler (which was installed about five years ago, replacing an ancient, leaky unit). The soft ducts have been replaced, and the air-handler has been cleaned several years in a row.
Leaving the service panel off of the air-handler over the winter cut way down on the moisture, by allowing the interior to be the same relative temperature as the attic space. The techs all agreed it's a clever idea, and one or two now do it in their own home!
But last week, they came out to do what we expected to be a routine inspection, and found some white stuff inside the air-handler (specifically, on the steel interior panels of the blower compartment; the coils are clean).
They want another $LOTS to clean the damn thing again, and we're interested in some confirmation that it's not benign (e.g., dust).
Response by poster: I finally got into the attic the other day, and looked inside the air-handler's cabinet. It's definitely mold, so this question is disgustingly moot.
posted by wenestvedt at 1:19 PM on April 27, 2022
posted by wenestvedt at 1:19 PM on April 27, 2022
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Air Conditioners do produce condensation as a side-effect of their normal operation, but properly installed and with adequate drainage, they should not provide an environment that encourages mold growth. If that is the case, something is wrong with your installation. If your current servicer cannot fix the problem, I'd suggest finding another.
posted by xedrik at 7:31 AM on April 19, 2022 [1 favorite]