How Do You Know If There's Mold in Your Air Conditioner?

Mold in your air conditioner isn’t just unpleasant—it can seriously affect your health and your home’s air quality. But because it often hides inside coils, ducts, or filters, it can go unnoticed until symptoms start to show up.

Here are the most common signs of mold in your AC:

A musty or stale smell when the AC is running
Visible black, green, or white fuzzy patches on vents or filters
Increased allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or headaches

If you’ve noticed any of these, your AC could be circulating mold spores throughout your home.‍

Contact Eco Pro Heating to schedule an inspection.

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Why Does Mold Grow Inside Air Conditioners?

Mold thrives in dark, damp, and warm environments. Unfortunately, many parts of an air conditioner—especially the evaporator coil, condensate drain, and filter—offer ideal conditions for mold to grow.

In BC's climate, where we deal with humidity, rain, and varying temperatures, moisture often lingers inside the unit. Combine that with dust, pet dander, and organic debris in your filter, and you've got the perfect recipe for mold growth.

Learn how our maintenance services help stop mold at the source

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What Are the Health Risks of Mold in Your AC?

Wondering if mold is really that dangerous? Here's what you risk when mold goes untreated in your air conditioner:

Skin irritation: Itchy rashes and allergic reactions
Respiratory issues: Wheezing, coughing, sinus infections, and asthma attacks
Severe illness: Long-term exposure can inflame your lungs and cause serious conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia

Families with kids, seniors, or anyone with asthma are especially vulnerable.

Book a free estimate for mold remediation or system cleaning.

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Can You Remove Mold from an Air Conditioner Yourself?

If you're dealing with mild surface mold on a window or portable unit, you may be able to clean it yourself using gloves, vinegar or bleach solution (1:10), and proper protection. Here's how:

Turn off and unplug the unit
Remove the filter and either replace or soak it in bleach solution
Wipe down visible interior surfaces
Let everything dry completely before reassembly

But: If mold has spread to coils, ducts, or deeper components, DIY cleaning won't cut it—and could even be dangerous. Professional equipment is often needed.

Get expert help from Eco Pro’s certified HVAC team

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When Should You Call a Professional for Mold Removal?

Here’s when it’s time to bring in the pros:

Mold is recurring despite cleaning
It's spread into ductwork or vents
You see symptoms like headaches, nausea, or itchy skin after running the AC
You’re unsure how bad the mold problem is

Eco Pro Heating has cleaned, repaired, and replaced thousands of HVAC systems across BC. We use high-efficiency tools to treat hidden mold and prevent regrowth.

Learn about our HVAC inspection process

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How Can You Prevent Mold in Your AC System?

Mold prevention starts with maintenance. Here are some best practices:

Change your furnace or AC filter every 30–90 days
Run your AC regularly—even in winter months—to keep air flowing
Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms or during rainy seasons
Schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year

If your system hasn’t been serviced recently, mold might already be forming behind the scenes.

Book your seasonal HVAC tune-up now

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What’s the Best Way to Protect Your Health and Air Quality?

Your AC shouldn’t be making you sick. At Eco Pro Heating, we believe clean air starts with a clean system.

Whether you need a deep clean, filter replacement, or full system upgrade, we make the process easy—with no-pressure quotes, quick turnaround times, and 3-year extended warranties on all repairs.

Explore available rebates for AC upgrades

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Q&A: Mold in Air Conditioners

Q: How do I know if there's mold in my air conditioner?
If you notice a musty smell when your AC is on or visible black or green fuzz near vents, it’s time to inspect for mold.

Q: Can mold in my AC make me sick?
Yes. Mold spores can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and more serious health issues over time.

Q: Can I clean mold out of my AC myself?
Only for mild cases on small units. For ducted systems or recurring mold, call a professional.

Q: How often should I change my AC filter to prevent mold?
Every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage, pets, and air quality.

Q: Will running my AC in winter help prevent mold?
Yes. Airflow helps reduce moisture buildup inside the unit, making it harder for mold to grow.

Your comfort is our craft. Your air quality is our priority.

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Ready to Breathe Easier with a Mold-Free AC?

If you’ve made it this far, you already know: mold in your air conditioner isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a health hazard. Whether you're noticing symptoms, strange smells, or just want peace of mind, Eco Pro Heating & Cooling is here to help.

With 20+ years of HVAC expertise and over 42,000 homes served across Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, we know how to detect, treat, and prevent mold so your air stays clean and safe.

✅ AC mold inspection and remediation

✅ Filter replacement and deep system cleaning

✅ Safe, professional upgrades and repairs

✅ 3-year extended warranty on all services

✅ Access to rebates for qualifying upgrades

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👉 Book a free inspection or quote today

👉 Learn more about our HVAC repair and upgrade services

Your comfort is our craft. Your air quality is our priority. Let’s get your AC system clean, safe, and efficient—starting today.

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Get in touch for a free HVAC quote