You found mold in your HVAC system. Maybe you saw dark spots around a vent, caught that telltale musty smell, or your family’s allergies have gotten worse at home. Whatever tipped you off—don’t panic.
Mold in your HVAC system is serious, but it’s solvable. The key is taking the right action quickly, before mold spreads throughout your ductwork, releasing spores into every room.
In our first guide, we covered how to prevent mold. Now let’s talk about what to do when prevention isn’t enough—when you need remediation and real solutions.
What you’ll learn:
- How to assess if you can handle it yourself or need professional help
- Step-by-step DIY cleaning for minor mold issues
- What professional remediation actually involves
- The Air Scrubber: NASA-developed technology that prevents mold from returning
- When system replacement makes more sense than repair
Found mold and need help now? Call Absolute Comfort: (765) 534-4328 • Same-day emergency service available
Step 1: Stop and Assess the Situation
Before you grab cleaning supplies or call anyone, you need to understand what you’re dealing with.
🛑 Turn Off Your HVAC System Immediately
This is non-negotiable. A mold-contaminated HVAC system should be turned off and not used until remediated, as continued use spreads mold throughout the building and increases exposure.
Every time your system runs with mold present, it distributes spores to every room. Turn it off now, even if it’s hot or cold outside. Your health is more important than temporary discomfort.
Temporary alternatives: Open windows for ventilation, use portable fans, space heaters or portable AC units for severe weather, or stay with family if vulnerable people are affected.
How Bad Is It? The Severity Scale
Understanding the scope helps you decide your next move:
Minor (You might handle this):
- Less than 10 square feet of visible mold
- Only on accessible, non-porous surfaces like registers or grilles
- No hidden mold in ducts or behind walls
- No one in your home has respiratory issues
- You can identify the moisture source
Moderate to Major (Call a professional):
- More than 10 square feet of mold
- Growth in hard-to-reach areas or ductwork
- Recurring mold despite cleaning attempts
- Musty smell but can’t locate all sources
- Anyone experiencing health symptoms
- Structural damage or long-term water issues
Critical Safety Questions
Before attempting any DIY work, ask yourself:
Is anyone vulnerable? Children under 2, adults over 65, pregnant women, or anyone with asthma, allergies, or compromised immunity should not be present during mold removal.
Can you safely access the mold? If it requires ladders, climbing into attics, or accessing tight spaces, hire a professional.
Has there been ongoing water damage? Long-term moisture usually means more extensive mold than what’s visible.
Do you smell mold but can’t see it? Hidden mold in ductwork or behind components requires professional equipment to locate and remove.
When to Call Absolute Comfort (Not DIY)
Some situations demand professional expertise from the start. Call us immediately if you notice any of these conditions:
- Mold covers more than 10 square feet (about 3ft x 3ft)
- Mold is inside ductwork or on evaporator coils
- You smell persistent musty odors but can’t locate the source
- Mold keeps returning after cleaning attempts
- Anyone in your home has respiratory conditions or severe allergies
- You discover water damage or structural issues
- Your system is over 10 years old and showing efficiency problems
- You’re buying or selling a home and need professional documentation
📞 Contact Absolute Comfort: (765) 534-4328
Our licensed technicians serve Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, and throughout Central Indiana.
We offer:
- Same-day emergency service
- Free comprehensive assessments
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- No-obligation consultations
DIY Mold Removal: Small Jobs Only
If you’ve confirmed it’s a minor situation (less than 10 square feet) and everyone in your home is healthy, you can attempt DIY removal. But understand the limitations—this approach only works for small, accessible mold on non-porous surfaces like registers and grilles.
🛡️ Safety Gear (Absolutely Required)
Don’t attempt any mold cleaning without proper protection. Mold exposure during cleaning can make you sick, even if the mold itself hasn’t bothered you yet.
You need:
- N95 or P100 respirator mask (not a simple dust mask—these don’t filter mold spores)
- Rubber gloves (household cleaning gloves work fine)
- Safety goggles or protective eyewear
- Long sleeves and pants you can wash immediately after
- Disposable shoe covers or shoes you can clean thoroughly
Total cost: $50-100. This is not optional—protect yourself.
🧪 Cleaning Solutions That Actually Work
Skip the expensive specialty products. These household items kill mold effectively:
White vinegar (most effective for DIY): Spray it full-strength on moldy surfaces and let it sit for one hour. Vinegar is natural, non-toxic, and kills 82% of mold species. Scrub thoroughly, rinse with clean water, and dry completely.
3% hydrogen peroxide: The same percentage you find in first aid aisles works perfectly. Spray the affected area, wait 10 minutes, then scrub. It’s safe for most surfaces and won’t leave harmful residue.
Borax solution: Mix 1 cup of borax per gallon of water. Apply the solution, scrub the moldy area, and here’s the advantage—you don’t need to rinse. Borax leaves a residue that helps prevent regrowth.
Commercial mold removers: Products like RMR-86, Concrobium, and Moldex work well for stubborn mold. Follow the product instructions carefully.
❌ What NOT to use: Never use bleach on porous surfaces. It doesn’t penetrate deep enough to kill mold roots, and it creates toxic fumes. Also, never mix different cleaning products—chemical reactions can be dangerous.
📋 Step-by-Step DIY Process
For registers and grilles:
These are the easiest components to clean because you can remove them completely. Unscrew and remove them from the wall or ceiling. Take them outside or to a garage. Spray liberally with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and let the solution sit for the recommended time (10-60 minutes depending on the product).
Scrub thoroughly with a stiff brush, getting into all the slats and corners. Rinse with clean water and dry completely—this is critical. Use fans or let them air dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling. Any remaining moisture invites mold right back.
For accessible duct surfaces:
You can only clean what you can safely reach near vent openings. Put on your full safety gear first. Using a microfiber cloth dampened with your cleaning solution, wipe all visible surfaces you can reach. Let the solution sit according to product instructions.
Gently scrub without pushing mold deeper into unreachable areas. Wipe again with clean, damp cloths, then dry thoroughly with clean towels and fans. This approach only addresses surface mold you can see and reach—it won’t clean mold deep in your ductwork.
For condensate drain pans (if accessible):
First, turn off power to your HVAC unit at the breaker box. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water from the pan. Scrub the pan thoroughly with your cleaning solution, paying special attention to corners where mold loves to hide.
Flush the drain line by pouring a cup of vinegar through it. Check that the pan slopes properly toward the drain (it should angle at least 1/4 inch per foot). Dry everything completely before restoring power.
⚠️ When to Stop and Call Professionals
Stop DIY work immediately and contact Absolute Comfort if:
- Mold keeps spreading as you clean it
- You discover significantly more mold than you initially saw
- You can’t safely reach affected areas
- Your respiratory symptoms worsen during cleaning
- Materials appear damaged, deteriorated, or beyond surface cleaning
- The musty smell doesn’t improve after thorough cleaning
Hit a roadblock? We can take over from where you stopped. Contact us
The Game-Changer: Air Scrubber by ActivePure
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: You can clean mold out of your HVAC system professionally and thoroughly, but unless you address ongoing humidity and air quality issues, mold will eventually return. That’s where the Air Scrubber by ActivePure technology fundamentally changes the equation.
What Is the Air Scrubber?
The Air Scrubber by ActivePure is an advanced air purification system that installs directly into your HVAC ductwork. This isn’t just another filter—it’s active protection.
The Air Scrubber uses ActivePure Technology, proven to reduce up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold in indoor air and on surfaces. Unlike passive filters that only trap particles as air passes through them, the Air Scrubber takes a revolutionary approach.
It releases particles that travel through your home, attract germs off surfaces like doorknobs and countertops, and pull them back through the HVAC system to be filtered out. This means it cleans both your air and your surfaces continuously, 24 hours a day.
The Technology: From NASA to Your Home
ActivePure Technology traces its origins to a research partnership between NASA and the University of Wisconsin in the 1990s. Scientists originally developed it to keep produce fresh during long space missions by controlling ethylene gas. But they discovered something remarkable—the technology also killed pathogens.
Since then, tens of millions of dollars in research, development, and testing have evolved it into what the company now calls “Advanced Photohydrolysis.” Here’s how it works in practical terms:
The Air Scrubber uses UV light combined with a proprietary honeycomb catalyst inside your ductwork. As air passes through, this system creates charged oxidizing molecules—primarily hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide in safe concentrations. These molecules disperse throughout your home via your HVAC airflow.
Once circulating, they actively seek out and destroy contaminants at the molecular level, breaking down bacteria, viruses, mold spores, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The technology works continuously while your HVAC system runs, and it produces no harmful ozone in certified models.
The scientific validation is impressive. A Kansas State University study showed ActivePure reduced MRSA by 99.8%, E. coli by 98.1%, and demonstrated similar effectiveness in neutralizing black mold.
Real Benefits for Central Indiana Homeowners
Continuous Mold Protection:
The Air Scrubber prevents mold regrowth on evaporator coils and inside ductwork—the two places most vulnerable to recurrence. It reduces airborne mold spores before they can settle and colonize. Most importantly, it works 24/7 while you sleep, when you’re away, all the time. You’re not depending on remembering to do anything—it’s automatic protection.
Beyond Mold:
Homeowners consistently report that musty mildew smells disappear completely. Pet odors that used to linger become manageable. Cooking smells clear faster. Family members with allergies and respiratory sensitivities notice significant improvement.
Many customers tell us they dust less frequently because charged particles clump together and get trapped in filters instead of settling on surfaces. The cumulative effect is simply breathing easier and feeling better at home.
HVAC System Protection:
Here’s a benefit that pays financial dividends. The Air Scrubber prevents particle and mold buildup that strains HVAC components, extending system lifespan with fewer repairs and lower energy bills. Evaporator coils stay cleaner, which maintains efficiency. Blower motors don’t work as hard. You’ll likely need professional maintenance less frequently, though we still recommend bi-annual tune-ups.
Practical Specifications:
The system is remarkably low-maintenance. You replace the ActivePure cell every two years—that’s it. It uses only 17 watts of electricity, less than a standard lightbulb. It operates at under 20 decibels, which is quieter than a whisper.
The Air Scrubber comes with a 5-year limited warranty and covers homes up to 3,000 square feet. Professional installation by our technicians takes about 30 minutes and works with your existing HVAC system—furnaces, air conditioners, or heat pumps.
The Investment
Professional installation of the Air Scrubber by ActivePure includes complete system assessment to ensure optimal placement, expert installation and setup, full explanation of operation, and ongoing support and service from Absolute Comfort.
Contact us for current pricing and any available promotions. When you consider the alternative—repeated remediation, higher energy bills from decreased efficiency, potential health costs, and the stress of ongoing mold battles—the Air Scrubber delivers exceptional value.
🌟 Stop Fighting Mold—Start Preventing It
Ask about Air Scrubber installation:
📞 (765) 534-4328
📧 help@absolutecomfort.org
🌐 Learn more about Air Scrubber →
Ask about current promotions and financing options
Additional Prevention Solutions
While the Air Scrubber provides comprehensive protection, some Central Indiana homes need additional moisture control measures.
Whole-House Dehumidification
Your air conditioner removes some moisture as it cools, but it’s designed primarily for temperature control, not humidity management. When AC units are oversized, they cool air too quickly and leave humidity behind, allowing excess moisture to accumulate and foster mold growth.
Central Indiana’s climate presents unique challenges. Summer humidity from corn sweat (water vapor released by vast cornfields), Gulf winds bringing moist air north, and frequent rain creates oppressively humid conditions. Indoor humidity should stay between 30-50% year-round, but basements and poorly ventilated areas often exceed 60%—the threshold where mold thrives.
Whole-house dehumidifiers integrate directly with your existing HVAC system. They sense humidity levels automatically and remove moisture as needed, draining directly to your plumbing so you never empty buckets. They operate much more quietly and efficiently than running multiple portable units, and they handle your entire home rather than one room.
This solution makes sense if you battle persistent humidity problems despite running your AC, deal with recurring mold issues, struggle with basement moisture, have family members with severe allergies, or currently run portable dehumidifiers constantly.
Absolute Comfort provides professional sizing calculations for your specific home, expert installation with proper system integration, quality brands with comprehensive warranties, and ongoing maintenance and support.
UV Light Systems
UV lights installed near your evaporator coils provide continuous, passive mold prevention. The ultraviolet light kills mold spores as air passes by, preventing growth on coils where moisture naturally accumulates.
These systems work 24/7, require only annual bulb replacement, and use minimal energy. They’re particularly effective when combined with the Air Scrubber for layered protection. Professional installation costs $500-$1,500 depending on your system configuration and whether you want coil-mounted or in-duct placement.
Smart Thermostats with Humidity Monitoring
Modern thermostats do far more than control temperature. Models from brands like Ecobee and Honeywell Home monitor humidity levels continuously, send smartphone alerts when humidity rises above your set threshold, make automatic system adjustments to maintain optimal conditions, and integrate with whole-house dehumidifiers for seamless control.
For homeowners serious about preventing mold, a smart thermostat provides the real-time monitoring and control that makes humidity management effortless.
Ask about smart thermostat installation →
When Replacement Makes More Sense Than Repair
Sometimes, the most cost-effective long-term solution to a mold problem is replacing your HVAC system entirely. This isn’t what anyone wants to hear, but it’s important to understand when throwing money at an old, problematic system no longer makes financial sense.
Signs It’s Time for a New System
Your system is 15+ years old:
Even with meticulous maintenance, older systems lack modern humidity control features, operate inefficiently, and use outdated technology that can’t integrate with air quality solutions like the Air Scrubber.
Frequent breakdowns and mounting repair costs:
If you’re calling for service multiple times per year and repair invoices keep adding up, you’ve likely crossed the point where replacement costs less than continued repairs. A good rule: if a single repair costs more than half the price of replacement, it’s time to replace.
Persistent mold despite professional remediation:
When mold keeps returning after thorough cleaning and moisture source repairs, your system likely has design flaws or hidden damage that makes it impossible to maintain properly. Fighting the same battle repeatedly costs more than starting fresh.
Improperly sized system:
Oversized units cool quickly but fail to reduce humidity properly, creating perfect conditions for mold. Many older homes have oversized systems installed by contractors who didn’t perform proper load calculations. Right-sizing eliminates this fundamental problem.
High energy bills:
Inefficient systems cost significantly more to operate. Modern systems use 30-50% less energy while providing better humidity control and comfort. Calculate your payback period—you might recover replacement costs through energy savings faster than you think.
Major component damage from mold:
If mold has deteriorated your air handler, damaged extensive ductwork, or compromised multiple components, the cost of replacing everything damaged often approaches or exceeds the cost of a complete system replacement.
Modern Systems = Better Mold Prevention
Today’s HVAC technology offers substantial advantages over systems even 10 years old:
Variable-speed operation maintains consistent temperatures and humidity by running at lower speeds for longer periods instead of cycling on and off. This continuous, gentle operation removes more moisture and creates fewer temperature swings that cause condensation.
Better built-in filtration options and easier integration with UV lights and air purification systems mean cleaner air with less effort. Modern drain systems use better materials and design to prevent the clogs and standing water that fed mold in older systems.
Most importantly, when we properly size your new system using accurate load calculations, we eliminate the short-cycling and incomplete dehumidification that caused mold problems in the first place.
The Absolute Comfort Replacement Advantage
Proper Load Calculation:
We don’t just replace your old system with the same size. Our technicians calculate your home’s actual heating and cooling needs based on insulation levels, window sizes and quality, home orientation, and Central Indiana’s specific climate. Right-sizing prevents humidity problems and ensures comfort.
Quality Equipment Options:
We offer American Standard systems known for reliability and excellent warranties at various efficiency levels. As a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Pro dealer—one of the highest certifications available—we bring specialized expertise to ductless mini-split installations perfect for homes without existing ductwork or room additions. We also provide geothermal HVAC systems offering ultimate efficiency and consistent temperatures that reduce condensation.
Expert Installation:
Equipment quality means nothing without proper installation. Our licensed technicians design ductwork correctly, install condensate systems with proper slope and drainage from day one, seal all connections thoroughly, and test everything completely before considering the job finished.
Long-Term Support:
Your relationship with us extends far beyond installation day. We back our work with comprehensive warranties, offer maintenance plans for ongoing care, provide priority service for existing customers, and remain available for questions and support.
Financing Available
Don’t let upfront cost prevent you from getting the system your home needs. Absolute Comfort offers flexible financing options with competitive rates and quick approval processes. Many homeowners find that monthly payments are offset by energy savings, making replacement more affordable than continued repairs and high operating costs.
Learn about financing options →
📞 Is It Time for a New System?
Schedule a free replacement consultation: (765) 534-4328
Contact us online →
Our comfort specialists will assess your current system honestly, provide repair versus replace analysis with actual numbers, explain all options with transparent pricing, and never pressure you—we educate and advise, then let you decide what’s best for your home and budget.
After Remediation: Keep Mold Gone
Removing mold is only half the battle. Keeping it from returning requires addressing root causes and maintaining vigilance.
Fix the Root Cause
Mold needs moisture. Period. If you don’t eliminate the moisture source, mold will return no matter how thoroughly you cleaned.
Common sources include leaking roofs or flashing, plumbing leaks behind walls or under fixtures, poor exterior drainage directing water toward your foundation, basement seepage through cracks or inadequate waterproofing, insufficient ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens, oversized HVAC systems that don’t run long enough to remove humidity, and clogged or improperly sloped condensate drains.
Absolute Comfort can identify and fix all HVAC-related moisture sources. For other issues like roofing, foundation, or general plumbing, we’re happy to recommend trusted local contractors we know do quality work.
Ongoing Maintenance Schedule
Monthly: Check and change your filter if dirty, flush your condensate line with a cup of vinegar, monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, and do quick visual inspections of vents.
Twice Yearly: Schedule professional HVAC tune-ups—once before cooling season in spring, once before heating season in fall. These catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies and maintain warranty requirements.
Join Our Maintenance Plan:
Take the guesswork out of scheduling and never forget maintenance again. Our plan includes two annual tune-ups with priority scheduling, discounts on any needed repairs, extended warranties on parts and labor, and most importantly, peace of mind knowing your system gets expert attention.
Learn about maintenance plans →
Take Action Today
If You Have Mold Now (Emergency)
- Turn off your HVAC system immediately
- Call Absolute Comfort: (765) 534-4328 (Available 24/7)
- Keep vulnerable people away from affected areas
If You Suspect Mold
- Schedule a free professional inspection →
- Ask about remediation options, Air Scrubber installation, and maintenance plans
- Get peace of mind with expert evaluation
If You’re Ready for Prevention
- Call to discuss Air Scrubber, dehumidifiers, UV lights, and smart thermostats
- Schedule installation with convenient timing
- Breathe easier knowing your home is protected
Why Act Now?
Mold spreads quickly—what’s a small problem today becomes expensive tomorrow. Health risks increase with prolonged exposure. Early intervention always costs less than extensive remediation. Most importantly, your home is your biggest investment—protect its value and your family’s wellbeing.
The Absolute Comfort Promise
When you choose us, you get licensed and experienced technicians, comprehensive solutions addressing root causes, quality products including the Air Scrubber by ActivePure, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, satisfaction guaranteed, and a family-owned company that’s been keeping Central Indiana comfortable since 2007.
📞 Ready to Eliminate Mold for Good?
Call now: (765) 534-4328
Email: help@absolutecomfort.org
Schedule online →
Service Areas: Fishers • Noblesville • Carmel • Westfield • Zionsville • Lapel • Indianapolis & Greater Central Indiana
Same-day emergency service available • Financing options • Free assessments