Can Air Purifiers Eliminate Mold?
Yes, a good air purifier can play an important role in reducing mold spores from the air. However, it cannot eliminate mold growing on surfaces or fix the underlying moisture or humidity problems. If you are noticing visible mold growth on surfaces, immediately contact a mold removal company.
Mold is present in the air around us in a balanced quantity. When the amount of mold spores increases that standard acceptable value, it becomes dangerous. If you are seeing visible mold or signs of mold growth, it is better to contact professionals who know how to remove mold accurately.
While your air purifier can filter the air of mold spores, mold growing on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces need professional removal.
What is mold?
Mold is known as one of the most notorious forms of fungal organisms. Today, it is also known for causing indoor air quality damage around the US, releasing tiny spores in the air. These microscopic spores can permeate through the air and cause air quality damage, respiratory issues, and unpleasant smells.
If you are wondering about the role of your air purifier in removing mold spores, the answer is simple. Yes, an air purifier plays a key role in clearing the air and reducing mold spores. However, it is not a remediation strategy for mold prevention. Let’s discuss what your air purifier can actually do and what is beyond its applicability.
How Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?
Mold grows by spore formation. When a mold grows, it spreads tiny mold spores in the air that travel in your HVAC system and air currents before settling anywhere else.
An air purifier of good quality can ensure that these spores are removed from the air. It has the potential to clear the air of any airborne particles and ensure high-quality air.
This can help:
- Improving indoor air quality
- Lowering mold spores in the air
- Eliminating musty odors as much as possible
- Prevent airborne allergens
- Control the spread of mold spores into other rooms
Any purifier has the ability to clear the air we breathe in, while it may not be able to ensure complete removal of mold spores growing on surfaces.
What Air Purifiers Cannot Do?
Many homeowners assume that an air purifier can eliminate surface mold. This is one of the biggest misconceptions because an air purifier can only treat whatever passes through the unit.
It cannot:
- Eliminate mold growing inside drywall
- Eliminate mold behind wallpaper
- Eliminate mold from ceilings
- Eliminate mold from carpets
- Conduct water damage restoration
- Prevent plumbing leaks
- Remove excess moisture
If the moisture source is left untreated, the mold will keep growing. It is important to treat the issue at its core to ensure mold removal.
Visible Mold Requires Professional Mold Removal
Mold spores are present all around us but in small quantities. When the mold is actually visible, unfortunately, it has caused enough damage to not be restored easily.
Professional mold remediation means:
- Looking for the source of moisture
- Finding and restoring the leaks or water intrusion
- Eliminating contaminated materials
- Ensuring cleaning of the affected areas safely
- Remediation for future mold growth
The right move is to hire a professional mold remediation company. Once they have done their work, you can install an air purifier to prevent mold spores from germination in the future.
Choosing the Best Air Purifier for Mold
Every air purifier is different. Here is how:
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
PCO technology works on the principle of removing airborne contaminants. It works by continuously treating the air by circulating it. Most homeowners choose this system to address a wide range of airborne contaminants found indoors, beyond the mold and mildew spores. PCO air purifiers like Triad Aer destroy the pollutants and mold spores instead of only trapping/capturing them.
Adequate Room Coverage
It is important to evaluate the size of your room and find the accurate purifier accordingly. If your room is larger, a larger coverage air purifier is needed to ensure air circulation effectively.
Multiple Stages of Air Cleaning
A premium system has the following technologies integrated together:
- PCO technology
- Particle filtration
- Activated carbon filtration
- UV technology
- Pre-filters
Can Air Purifiers Prevent Mold?
You need a dehumidifier to reduce the chances of mold. However, you need to control the moisture to control the mold.
Here are some tips to reduce mold:
- The humidity levels should be below 50%
- Fix any plumbing leaks
- Dry water damage remediation
- Ensure better air ventilation
- Use bathroom exhaust fans
- Check on condensation
- For damp areas, use a dehumidifier
You have to combine continuous air purification with moisture control to ensure the best results.
Air Purifier vs. Dehumidifier
While often observed similarly, they are very different. Both these devices create a healthier environment indoors but their jobs are very different from one another.
Air Purifier
- Lowers airborne mold spores
- Works on indoor air quality
- Lowers airborne allergens
- Eliminates or reduces odors
Dehumidifier
- Eliminates excess moisture
- Prevents mold growth
- Helps prevent future moisture problems
Use them together to get the best results.
Can Air Purifiers Help with Mold Allergies?
Yes, mold spores are airborne contaminants, so by lowering the amount of airborne contaminants, the air purifier can reduce mold allergies.
Common signs of mold presence are:
- Respiratory discomfort
- Sneezing & Wheezing
- Runny nose & Congestion
- Itchy eyes & Coughing
- Allergies & Headaches
If you see these signs, it is high time to get help from professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an air purifier remove mold completely?
No. An effective air purifier can work on the airborne mold spores, but it cannot remove mold growing on the surfaces of your property.
Is a PCO air purifier good for mold?
Yes. PCO air purifiers work by eliminating airborne contaminants. This includes molds, spores, and other odors and airborne pollutants.
Should I use an air purifier if I have mold?
Yes. You should use an air purifier to prevent the spread of mold spores. It can help in improving the air quality and ensuring a safe breathing space.
Do I still need mold remediation?
Yes, if your mold is visible on your property, you need professional help. Ask for a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold and ensure a proper strategy through a remediation plan.
Final Thoughts
No doubt, air purifiers can be a great way to reduce mold spores and improve the air quality in which we breathe. But it cannot replace professional mold removal especially when the mold is visible.
If you notice signs of mold presence or if there is mold visible on your property, you should get help from professional mold removal companies. Once the mold is removed, you can install an air purifier to ensure the air quality is improved and devoid of any airborne particles like mold spores.
