**Austin Airways: Is "Clean" AC Hiding Hair Mold?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 4, 2025

Is your Austin home feeling a little too humid, even with the AC blasting? Do you ever catch a whiff of something musty, despite your best cleaning efforts? You might have a hidden mold problem lurking in your air conditioning system, and in the Texas heat, it can flourish.

Ignoring this issue isn’t an option. Mold, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium, can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. For Austin residents, especially those living in older homes near Zilker Park or dealing with the fluctuating humidity near Lady Bird Lake, understanding how to identify and address mold in your AC is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment.

This guide provides a practical, actionable approach to tackling potential mold issues in your Austin home’s AC system. We’ll go beyond basic cleaning tips and delve into DIY inspection techniques, local resources for professional air quality testing, and effective remediation strategies tailored to the Austin area. We’ll also cover your rights as a tenant under Texas law regarding mold disclosure.

First, let’s talk about why Austin is particularly susceptible to AC mold. The combination of high humidity and warm temperatures creates a perfect breeding ground. Condensation inside your AC unit, especially if drainage is poor, provides the moisture Aspergillus and Penicillium need to thrive. Regular AC use, while keeping you cool, can also circulate mold spores throughout your home if the system is contaminated.

So, how do you know if you have a problem, even after regular filter changes and coil cleaning? Start with your senses. A persistent musty or earthy odor coming from your vents is a major red flag. Visually inspect the areas around your AC unit, including the drain pan, coils, and vents. Look for dark spots, discoloration, or visible mold growth. Don’t just glance; use a flashlight to get a good look in hard-to-reach areas.

Here’s a step-by-step DIY inspection you can perform:

1. Safety First: Turn off your AC unit at the breaker to avoid electrical shock.
2. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a flashlight, screwdriver, and a damp cloth.
3. Inspect the Vents: Remove the vent covers and shine the flashlight inside. Look for any signs of mold growth on the vent walls or the surrounding ductwork.
4. Check the Drain Pan: Locate the drain pan (usually near the indoor unit). If it’s accessible, check for standing water, discoloration, or mold growth. A clogged drain line can lead to significant mold problems.
5. Examine the Coils: This is a bit more involved. You may need to remove an access panel to view the evaporator coils. Look for dark spots or a fuzzy coating. Be careful not to damage the delicate fins on the coils.
6. Document Your Findings: Take pictures of any suspected mold growth. This will be helpful if you need to consult with a professional.

Now, let’s say you suspect mold, but you’re not entirely sure. This is where professional air quality testing comes in. Several companies in Austin specialize in mold testing.

• Mold Inspection Sciences Texas (Austin): They offer comprehensive mold inspections and air quality testing services.
• RTK Environmental Group (Austin): They provide independent mold testing and consulting services.
• Envirocheck: A local company that provides mold testing and remediation services.

When choosing a company, make sure they are licensed and certified. Ask about their testing methods and what types of mold they test for. A typical air quality test involves taking air samples from different areas of your home and sending them to a lab for analysis. The results will tell you the type and concentration of mold spores present.

What if the test comes back positive? It’s time for remediation. Do not attempt to remove large amounts of mold yourself. This can release spores into the air and worsen the problem.

Here are some Austin-based HVAC cleaning services specializing in mold removal:

• Aire Serv of Austin: They offer AC cleaning and mold remediation services.
• Stan’s Air Systems: They specialize in duct cleaning and mold removal.
• Cool Experts: They provide comprehensive AC services, including mold remediation.

When hiring a remediation company, make sure they follow industry best practices and use appropriate safety equipment. The remediation process typically involves:

• Containing the affected area to prevent the spread of spores.
• Removing the mold-contaminated materials.
• Cleaning and disinfecting the area.
• Addressing the source of the moisture problem.

A common mistake homeowners make is only addressing the visible mold without fixing the underlying moisture issue. If you don’t fix the leak or improve ventilation, the mold will likely return.

Now, let’s talk about your rights as a tenant in Austin. Texas law requires landlords to disclose any known mold problems in a rental property. If your landlord fails to disclose a known mold issue, you may have legal recourse.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Landlords must remediate mold within a reasonable time frame after being notified.
• Tenants can terminate their lease if the landlord fails to remediate the mold.
• Tenants can sue the landlord for damages caused by mold exposure.

If you suspect your landlord is not addressing a mold problem, document everything. Take pictures, keep records of all communication, and consider consulting with an attorney. You can also report concerns to the City of Austin Code Compliance Department.

Preventing mold growth in your AC is always better than dealing with remediation. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

• Regularly change your AC filter: Aim for every 1-3 months, especially during peak usage.
• Clean your AC coils: At least once a year, clean the evaporator and condenser coils. You can use a commercially available coil cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent.
• Ensure proper drainage: Check the drain line regularly to make sure it’s not clogged. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to clear any blockages.
• Maintain proper humidity levels: Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home below 60%.
• Schedule regular AC maintenance: Have your AC system professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year.

Living in Austin means embracing the outdoors, but it also means being vigilant about indoor air quality. By taking proactive steps to inspect, test, and remediate mold in your AC system, you can protect your health and ensure a comfortable living environment. Don’t let hidden mold steal your peace of mind. Take action today!