HVAC & Air Duct Mold Removal in Peachtree Corners, GA

Why would mold grow inside my AC in Peachtree Corners?

Peachtree Corners, one of Gwinnett County's newest cities and about 18 miles from Atlanta, grew up around Technology Park Atlanta and has roughly seven miles of the Chattahoochee River along its northern and western border. River humidity is only part of the story. A central air system removes water from indoor air every time it cools, and that water has to leave through the pan and drain line. If the pan stays wet, the line clogs, or ducts running through a damp crawl space or a hot attic collect condensation, mold can settle on the coil, the pan or inside the duct itself.

In homes off Spalding Drive or Peachtree Parkway, the location of the air handler matters more than the age of the house. A unit in a closet is easy to check; one in a cramped attic or under the floor can drip unnoticed for a season.

Can my ducts be cleaned, or do they need replacing?

It depends on what they are made of. EPA's guidance on duct cleaning says cleaning may be worth considering when there is substantial visible mold inside hard sheet metal ducts. Fiberglass duct board and ducts lined with fiberglass are different: when they are wet or moldy, EPA says they cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced. Flex duct with wet insulation is usually swapped out too. A company that recommends cleaning every type of duct the same way has not looked closely enough.

Should I keep running the system until someone comes out?

EPA says not to run an HVAC system you know or suspect is contaminated, because it can move mold around the house. On a hot day, set up fans and a dehumidifier in the rooms you use, and tell the company you call that the AC is off so they can plan around it. If anyone in the house has asthma or a weakened immune system, EPA advises they stay away from moldy areas, and anyone with health concerns should talk with a health professional.

A note for Peachtree Corners renters

The city's Community Development Department handles code enforcement under its Property Maintenance Code, and its quick-reference guide focuses on exterior surfaces and building parts rather than indoor moisture. If a landlord has not fixed a leaking or overflowing AC, put the request in writing and keep a copy; O.C.G.A. 44-7-13 requires landlords to keep rentals in repair. Replacing equipment or ducts may need a permit from the city's Building Division at 310 Technology Parkway, so ask the contractor about it.