Now that you know what a heat pump is (Heat Pumps), it’s time to learn about common issues homeowners experience with this machine.
One of the most often occurring and serious problems is mold growth inside the heat pump system which can lead to all kinds of health issues, from throat irritation to even chronic lung diseases if left unattended. But how can you tell if your red eyes and cough is a sign of mold or simply a lingering cold or allergies? Here we’ll explain what signs to look out for that can indicate whether you may have mold in your heat pump system and what you can do to fix it.
A heat pump draws in air from the outside to be circulated throughout your home. Because it works via an outdoor element, the parts including the coil can be easily exposed to moisture and high humidity levels. Although most come with a filter to prevent excess moisture from forming that can lead to mold, often they get saturated, especially during the spring and fall. Mold loves moisture, and if it starts to grow inside your heating pump, it can easily spread throughout your home. Living in a Canadian climate, our homes are more prone to moisture and humidity due to a wet climate and significant amounts of rainfall and snow.
At the early stages, mold contamination symptoms often resemble cold and flu. Red eyes, nasal congestion, stuffiness and throat irritation are often the first signs of mold infestation. However, as the growth progresses, more serious problems can start to form. This includes burning throat sensations, body rash, lung infections and even chronic lung disease. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor and have someone perform a mold inspection in your home.
As soon as mold forms in a heat pump, it can spread to all areas of your home through the ductwork. To get rid of it, you’ll need to call in a professional HVAC technician to clean your filters, heat pump and ducts. They will remove any water that is found in the pumps that could lead to new mold growth, and also install new filters and insulation to ensure mold does not return.
To prevent mold from returning year after year, it’s important to have your HVAC system regularly inspected and maintained. A routine check will ensure that your heat pump is clear of any mold, and your filters and equipment are up to date and working properly to keep your home comfortable and safe.
All centrally ducted heat pumps and air conditioning systems can harbour harmful mold and airborne pollutants inside their parts. Because it’s difficult to see inside unless you take it all apart, mold can grow for years before people even notice. This often leads to serious health implications that could have been addressed as soon as the first symptoms started to appear. So if you suspect that you have mold in your home or you haven’t had your heat pump system inspected in quite some time, be sure to call a professional HVAC company who can give it a thorough inspection and remove any mold that has formed. Better to be safe than sorry, especially if you have small children and pets who are more prone to the symptoms!
At Atmosphere Climate Control Specialists, we can assist you with all your heat pump needs, from mold removal to inspections, maintenance to installation. We’ll help to keep your HVAC system in perfect working order and ensure that the air your family is breathing is safe without any harmful contaminants and mold. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning and see what special offers we have to save you even more.
