Why Is There Mold on Your Furnace Filter in Frankfort, KY?

A furnace filter catches all kinds of contaminants in the air of your home or business. However, if one of the contaminants you’re seeing is mold on a furnace filter, you may wonder, “Is mold on a furnace dangerous?” Below, our expert professionals providing HVAC services in Frankfort, KY, explain the causes of mold on an air filter and whether you should worry.

How Does Mold Get Into the HVAC System?

One of the most common reasons mold forms inside the HVAC system is excess humidity in the house. As the furnace works to create warm air when humidity is high, any mold spores that are present can thrive and grow.

Humidity can be high in both summer and winter in north-central Kentucky. Frankfort is located along the Kentucky River, which occasionally causes flooding that can contribute to humidity issues.

Mold spores thrive in areas that are dark, which helps them multiply inside warm and moist ducts. 

If you allow organic material to accumulate on the filter because you don’t change it often enough, the growth could accelerate. If you have water leaks on the floor near the furnace or if the floor drain is clogged, this excess moisture near the filter could speed up mold growth.

How To Recognize Moldy Spots on a Filter

Recognizing the signs of mold on a furnace filter requires an inspection. If you see dark spots on the filter material, it could be an unwanted growth. The spots could be black, brown, or green. They may have irregular edges or appear fuzzy. 

If the spores are growing actively, you may also notice a musty odor from the area near the filter. If you expect that mold spores are present, remove the filter carefully to avoid causing the spores to dislodge and float through the air.

If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, contact a furnace repair professional for help identifying the issue.

Should I Ignore the Risks of Moldy Filters?

Do not ignore problems with moldy surfaces on filters. Once the mold spores are growing inside your HVAC system, you run the risk of poor health. Spores can negatively affect your indoor air quality and spark problems with asthma or allergies.

Additionally, having moldy conditions inside the heating system can negatively affect its performance. Your furnace might have to work harder, leading to higher operational costs and more frequent repairs.

Instead of ignoring moldy conditions inside the heating system, reach out to your trusted HVAC professionals for a complete cleaning of the ducts and furnace to eliminate the spores.

What Should You Do When You Find Growth on a Furnace Filter in Frankfort, KY?

When you see mold on a furnace filter, you should immediately turn off the heating system and circulating fan. You don’t want the spores to continue moving through the HVAC ducts and your home. 

Leave the old filter out and place it in a plastic bag to prevent spores from coming loose. Contact furnace repair or maintenance professionals for advice. They will probably recommend a full cleaning of the furnace, its components, and the interior of the ducts to remove any remaining spores. After cleaning, put in a new, clean filter.

How Often Should I Check for Moldy Filters?

You’ll need to run your furnace in Frankfort, KY, from mid-autumn through spring. Night-time temperatures here can be below freezing from November through early April. When running your heating system more frequently to generate heat, you should check for mold on the filter every month. 

Many places in the United States have dry air during winter, but Frankfort, KY, can remain humid in the winter months. Rain and snow can fall during winter, contributing to the humidity levels.