Guest guest Posted March 1, 2011 Report Share Posted March 1, 2011 sorry no one answered your post. not a expert but if theres a mildewy smell comes from the system I'd personally avoid that house. hopefully you well get more advice here. > > Hello. I am new to this group. If anyone can help me with this question it is much appreciated: > > We have been looking at new houses. I've ascertained that my son (who is environmentally sensitive) is MOST sensitive to houses where there is evaporative (swamp) air conditioning. > > We have found a house that is otherwise very dry and easily cleaned. And, apparently mold-free. Except for the evaporative air-conditioning, which smells like a mop that's been left wet for 3 weeks. > > Does anyone have some wisdom for us:- in an otherwise pristine house (wash-able, hard floors, hard wall paint, no moisture and well ventilated) will it be possible for us to seal off this air-conditioning system and clean the place? Or, is it too late once mold spores of any sort have been distributed around the house? > > Thanks. > > > Melbourne, Australia > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2011 Report Share Posted March 2, 2011 , It sounds as though there is microbial growth (sounds like bacteria from the smell) in the wet area of the coil. I have dealt with many families who were affected by contaminated A/C systems. So long as there are not lots of carpets (which store allergens), you should be able to clean the house very thoroughly to get rid of allergenic dust. Of course, the key is to seal off the evaporative cooling system: make sure that it is dry and that all the ducts are taped shut. Cut off the power to the unit so that no one can accidentally turn it on. Then get rid of ALL house dust before moving in. Don't forget about in and behind appliances like frig and DW is present. Remove drawers from built ins and clean. Clean all dust from any heating units if present. Clean dust from light fixtures, etc. May May Indoor Air Investigations LLC www.mayindoorair.com www.myhouseiskillingme.com > > Hello. I am new to this group. If anyone can help me with this question it is much appreciated: > > We have been looking at new houses. I've ascertained that my son (who is environmentally sensitive) is MOST sensitive to houses where there is evaporative (swamp) air conditioning. > > We have found a house that is otherwise very dry and easily cleaned. And, apparently mold-free. Except for the evaporative air-conditioning, which smells like a mop that's been left wet for 3 weeks. > > Does anyone have some wisdom for us:- in an otherwise pristine house (wash-able, hard floors, hard wall paint, no moisture and well ventilated) will it be possible for us to seal off this air-conditioning system and clean the place? Or, is it too late once mold spores of any sort have been distributed around the house? > > Thanks. > > > Melbourne, Australia > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 , follow Jeff's advice for cleaning, use products and materials like peroxide based cleaner to destroy and denature molds, toxin, bacteria, allergens, plus they are relatively safe. avoid the fragrances. use microfiber mops, brooms, cloth rags, use a vac with a good suction and a filter (change the collector can/bag outdoors!). Make sure you test the family with the cleaner first, on a small object or area where you won't be living, handle it, smell it, etc. (do not lick it! jk.) For the cooler, you can get someone to take it apart to clean it, have them do it but regular, but rinse twice with clear water, they usually use strong cleaner, or alkali based with fragrance. then, find a preventive coating to apply to the coils and the pan, I know of one here that works great and is safe (never heard of a problem.O I don't know what is available down by you. but the key is cleanin and keeping the area/components rinsed to prevent biofilm buildup. > > > > Hello. I am new to this group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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