Black particles from the HVAC system are typically mold, rust or insulation.
If this is happening, replacing or cleaning the filter should do the trick. You May Have "Stuff" Growing: Another potential cause of black particles coming from your AC unit is organic growth inside the unit itself.
Problem: Black Mold is Growing In Your Ductwork or Air Conditioner. Another issue that can cause black dust around your vents is black mold – and other less deadly dark-colored mold varieties. Mold is a type of fungus that likes to grow in damp forests and eat fallen trees.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mould)
It produces mycotoxins, which can be toxic when inhaled or touched. Exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, and skin irritation.
Mold or Mildew: This is one of the most common causes. If there is moisture in your AC system, it can create a breeding ground for mold, which can appear as black particles. This is especially common in humid environments.
Black mold can develop in your air conditioner unit for reasons such as moisture build-up, high humidity, condensation, and poor ventilation. Additionally, air vents have plenty of dark and undisturbed areas where mold can thrive and spread into your air conditioning unit.
Black Death is a sludgy disgusting goo that gums up the air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator and everything else in the system. Essentially, it destroys all the components.
To clean them properly you should remove the air conditioner shell, and spray the fins down with a high powered hose and soap, you can also use liquid or cream/gel bleach. It's A LOT OF WORK, but the ac will run like new after you have cleaned it. Rub moldy insulating bricks with “soft scrub with bleach” cleanser.
Finding black mold in your air vents is more than just an annoyance—it can actually be toxic and impact your health every time your HVAC system runs. Mold spores travel through the air, spreading contamination throughout your home, and the longer you wait, the worse the problem gets.
There are various symptoms of air conditioning sickness. Some of the symptoms are respiratory issues, nose or throat irritation, coughing and sneezing, fatigue and headaches, and sore muscles and joints.
If an A/C system is found to contain sludge or black gunk, it means everything in the system is contaminated and must either be cleaned or replaced. “Black Death” occurs when moisture enters the system, reacts with the refrigerant and oil to form acids and sludge.
One particular mold to keep an eye out for is Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold. Black mold is notorious for its high toxicity and the serious health problems it can cause. It usually appears as a slimy black layer, but if it dries out, it can resemble black dust.
Soot particles released by wood fires or incomplete combustion of candle oils coalesce over time, forming black dust. It will continue to collect if surfaces aren't cleaned every day. The dust can accumulate on walls, windows, and cabinets as well as behind doors and in crevices if your home isn't well-ventilated.
Black particles from the HVAC system are typically mold, rust or insulation. You should inspect air handling units, variable air volume (VAV) boxes, reheats, induction units and heat pumps, or secondary units serving the area of concern.
Dirt and Debris
If you notice dark, black chunks coming out of your air conditioner, there's a good chance it could simply be dirt. If the air conditioner has sat unused for an extended period of time, it may be that dirt, dust and other debris has accumulated and settled inside the unit.
A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common causes of air conditioner water leakage. Over time, this line can become clogged with algae, dirt, dust, and debris. When this happens, the line backs up and overflows from the drain pan, causing the water to leak into your home.
Dirty air ducts can foster the growth of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. When these pathogens are blown into your living spaces, they can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Bleach: A mixture of one part bleach with 16 parts water can get air vents clean. First, use a HEPA vacuum on the vents, and then soak a rag with the bleach solution and scrub any moldy spots. Carefully remove the vent cover and soak it for a few minutes.
Mould in your air conditioner can lead to sickness in a variety of ways, from severe respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing to nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
The cost to remove mold from an HVAC system is $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the system type and whether the mold has spread into the ductwork.
Use an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled for HVAC use to clean non-porous surfaces (Ductwork, coils, plenums, pans, etc) of mold, mildew, and other dirt. BIOSPRAY-TOWER ready-to-use disinfectant and mold cleaner will kill and remove mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.
If you're talking about “black death” in an AC system, explain that it is caused by some idiot using the wrong refrigerant or the wrong refrigerant oil. Black death is almost always the result of mixing non-compatible refrigerant oils and causes compressor failure.
A purge system draws air from the atmosphere, introduces it into the range, filters the air, and then releases cleaned air back into the atmosphere. Purge systems use prefilters that are changed monthly and HEPA filters that are changed every 2,400 hours.
Mold can take the form of irregular black dust, clusters, or streaks, particularly noticeable on filters or where moisture accumulation is common. Regularly inspecting your window air conditioner, central air conditioning system, and or other AC units for these signs will help you catch mold infestations early on.