We say “Florida mold season” in the title here, but really, Florida mold and mildew happen year-round.

Still, it’s easy to be distracted by the pollen in the dry air right now. (Just a reminder,  Florida’s airborne allergens are a problem for your air conditioner, too.)

Wherever you are in Sarasota or Manatee counties, loads of rain is right around the corner. And if your AC hasn’t had maintenance recently, or it’s not functioning well for other reasons, then you could be in for a lot of mold- and mildew-related problems.

Mold Causes Big Problems in Your Home

Mold and mildew are always bad. They can be unsightly, cause bad smells, and even aggravate respiratory issues.

But if mold and mildew grow unchecked for any length of time, they can make a building uninhabitable. This kind of growth can weaken building materials, causing expensive (or irreparable) structural problems. Mold and mildew are also a serious health threat.

How Can a Faulty AC Cause Mold Growth?

One of the ways an air conditioner conditions your air is by regulating humidity. This is a big job in Florida—especially in the spring and summer.

Mold will grow in your house when the humidity rises above 55 degrees. There are a few ways this might happen. Mold will grow..

• if your AC isn’t properly removing water vapor from the air.
• if your AC’s condensation drain is blocked, overflowing, or otherwise not removing condensation out of the house.
• If your AC’s hygrometer isn’t properly registering the indoor humidity level in your home.

• If you leave your AC off while you’re away from your home for an extended period of time.

How Can I Tell My AC Isn’t Controlling Humidity?

Signs of a humid home include unusual condensation on windows, mirrors or other hard surfaces. The air may feel unusually warm or just moist or sticky. If humidity has persisted long enough for mold growth to set in, you may notice an organic or fungal smell, or just black spots or other discoloration, especially in areas with poor circulation like bathrooms and closets.

And of course, if you see wet spots or puddles, there may be a serious problem.

What Should I Do If My Air Feels Funny This Spring?

As the weather changes, your home’s air may feel a little different. We know that this comes with the territory in southwest Florida—especially if you’re opening doors and windows a lot during the day.

But today’s air conditioning technology should be able to control indoor humidity, even in Sarasota-Bradenton.

If you suspect your home is unusually humid, call an air conditioning expert. We can inspect your home’s entire system to determine if it’s an issue with the AC’s function, its monitoring equipment, a leak, or some other issue.

You don’t want to weather Florida summer with a humidity issue. Give Air America a call.