Houston Asthma: Cheap AC Fueling Mold Lungs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

February 8, 2026

The air in your Houston home feels heavy, thick, and just wrong. You’ve cranked up the AC, but it’s barely making a dent. And there’s this faint, musty smell that you can’t quite place. Chances are, you’re dealing with mold in your AC system, a common problem in our humid climate, especially if you’re relying on an older, less efficient unit. But don’t panic! You don’t need to break the bank to breathe easy again.

This guide is specifically for Houston residents struggling with this issue. We’ll walk you through identifying mold, testing for it yourself, finding affordable professional help, and, most importantly, preventing it from coming back by choosing the right AC system for our unique climate.

First, let’s talk about why Houston AC units are mold magnets. Cheap, inefficient ACs struggle to remove humidity. This leads to condensation, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold, especially in dark, enclosed spaces like your AC’s ductwork and evaporator coil.

How do you know if you have mold? Look for these telltale signs:

A musty, earthy odor coming from your vents.
Visible mold growth on or around your AC unit, particularly on the coils or in the drain pan. It might look like black, green, or white fuzzy patches.
Increased allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, especially when the AC is running.
Dark spots or water stains on your ceiling or walls near AC vents.

If you suspect mold, don’t ignore it. Mold can cause serious health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues.

Now, let’s get to testing. You have two options: DIY testing or professional testing.

DIY testing is a good starting point if you’re on a budget. You can purchase a mold test kit at most hardware stores in Houston, like Home Depot or Lowe’s. These kits typically involve collecting a sample of the suspected mold and sending it to a lab for analysis.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a DIY mold test kit:

Gather your supplies: Mold test kit, gloves, mask, and a damp cloth.
Protect yourself: Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling mold spores.
Collect the sample: Follow the instructions in your kit. This usually involves swabbing the affected area or placing a petri dish near the suspected mold growth.
Seal and label the sample: Carefully seal the sample according to the kit’s instructions and label it with the date and location of the sample.
Send the sample to the lab: Mail the sample to the lab provided in the kit.
Wait for the results: The lab will analyze the sample and send you a report identifying the type of mold present.

A common mistake is not following the kit instructions precisely. This can lead to inaccurate results. Also, remember that DIY kits only identify the type of mold, not the extent of the problem.

Professional mold testing is more comprehensive. A certified mold inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of your home, including areas you might not be able to access yourself, like inside your ductwork. They’ll use specialized equipment to detect hidden mold and take multiple samples for analysis.

While professional testing is more expensive, it provides a more accurate assessment of the mold problem and can help you develop an effective remediation plan. In Houston, expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a professional mold inspection.

Okay, you’ve confirmed you have mold. Now what? Mold remediation is the process of removing and cleaning up mold growth.

For small areas of mold (less than 10 square feet), you might be able to handle the remediation yourself. However, for larger infestations, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation company.

If you decide to tackle it yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, mask, eye protection, and disposable clothing.
Mold-killing cleaner: A bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial mold cleaner. Look for products specifically designed for mold remediation at your local hardware store.
Scrub brush and sponges: For cleaning the affected surfaces.
HEPA vacuum: To remove mold spores from the air.
Plastic sheeting and tape: To contain the work area and prevent the spread of mold spores.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to DIY mold remediation:

Contain the area: Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home.
Protect yourself: Wear your PPE to avoid inhaling mold spores or coming into contact with mold.
Clean the affected surfaces: Apply the mold-killing cleaner to the affected surfaces and scrub thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the cleaned surfaces with clean water and dry them thoroughly.
Vacuum the area: Use a HEPA vacuum to remove any remaining mold spores from the air and surfaces.
Dispose of contaminated materials: Dispose of any contaminated materials, such as sponges, brushes, and clothing, in sealed plastic bags.

A common pitfall is not properly containing the work area. This can spread mold spores throughout your home, making the problem worse. Another mistake is not wearing proper PPE. Mold spores can be harmful to your health, so it’s important to protect yourself.

For professional mold remediation, expect to pay between $500 and $3,000, depending on the size and severity of the infestation. Get quotes from multiple companies and check their credentials and reviews before hiring them. Look for companies that are licensed and insured and have experience remediating mold in Houston’s climate.

Now, let’s talk about prevention. The best way to prevent mold growth in your AC system is to choose an energy-efficient AC unit that effectively removes humidity.

Look for AC units with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. A higher SEER rating means the unit is more energy-efficient and better at removing humidity. In Houston, aim for a SEER rating of at least 16.

Consider a whole-house dehumidifier. This can help to reduce the overall humidity level in your home, making it less likely for mold to grow.

Regular maintenance is also crucial. Change your AC filter regularly (every 1-3 months) to ensure proper airflow. Schedule annual AC tune-ups to clean the coils and drain pan.

Finally, make sure your AC drain line is clear. A clogged drain line can cause water to back up into the unit, creating a breeding ground for mold. You can clear the drain line yourself using a wet/dry vacuum or by pouring a cup of vinegar down the drain line.

Here are some specific product recommendations you can find at local Houston stores:

Mold test kits: Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit (available at Home Depot)
Mold-killing cleaner: Concrobium Mold Control (available at Lowe’s)
HEPA vacuum: Shop-Vac HEPA Filter Vacuum (available at Walmart)
AC filters: Filtrete Healthy Living Air Filter (available at most hardware stores)

For professional mold remediation, check out companies like AdvantaClean of Houston or Mold Remediation Houston. Always verify their licenses and insurance.

Here are some helpful resources from the Texas Department of State Health Services:

Texas Department of State Health Services Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules: [Insert Link Here - Replace with actual link]
Texas Department of State Health Services Mold Information: [Insert Link Here - Replace with actual link]

Dealing with mold in your AC system can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can identify the problem, remediate it effectively, and prevent it from coming back. Remember, choosing the right AC unit and maintaining it properly is key to keeping your Houston home healthy and comfortable. Don’t let mold win!