HVAC and New Construction, Home Additions and Multi-Family Dwellings

Here's How to Minimise Mould Infestation in Your Vacation Home Air Conditioning System

Vacation homeowners are no strangers to the persistent intrusion of foul-smelling, allergy-inducing mould into their living spaces. Although mould is pretty much ubiquitous, it especially thrives in the AC system of a vacation home since you are not always there to deal with the problem as it arises. 

Even with the latest, more sophisticated AC system, mould can easily establish colonies inside the ductworks and thrive in the presence of moisture and food. While you can't completely abandon your primary abode to watch out for mould in your second home, you can take actions to prevent and control mould infestation in your residential AC system. 

Here are a few tips to get you started. 

Fix the Water Leaks in Your Home 

Repairing water leaks is key to keeping humidity levels down and preventing mould infestation in your vacation home's AC system. 

Attend to any water leaks post-haste no matter how small they may be. A small drip may not seem like such a big deal, but imagine how bad things can get after weeks or months of your absence. 

Make sure you inspect and fix any water leaks before you leave for your primary home. 

Maintain Your AC System Regularly

Arrange for regular maintenance of AC equipment by a licensed HVAC contractor to make sure everything remains in good working order at all times. This will also help you eliminate the humidity necessary for mould to grow and thrive. 

Install a Remote-Controlled Dehumidifier

Since there is no reason to run your AC when you are not residing in your second home, a remote-controlled dehumidifier is a great way to maintain the desired air circulation within the house. The dehumidifier can be attached to the furnace and a drain, which means you don't have to be present to empty the drain. 

Make Sure You Are Running the Right-Size Unit

Even though you rarely use your unit, the wrong size unit may trigger mould problems in your house. A unit that is too small or too large will lead to temperature fluctuations, which in turn create conditions for mould to thrive. If your air conditioning needs increase over time, make sure you upgrade your AC equipment accordingly.

While it's easier to suspect a mould problem in your primary residence, things are different with a second home. If you suspect your home air conditioning system is circulating mouldy air, call in an HVAC specialist to check it out.


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