Can I treat this AC mold myself or call a pro?« Back to Previous Page

The black splotchy patch and scratchy throat are strong indicators of a mold issue, which is common here due to our high humidity and constant AC use creating condensation. You should not treat this yourself with bleach. Bleach only removes surface discoloration on non-porous materials; it cannot penetrate porous drywall or carpet to kill the root structure, and the moisture from applying it can actually feed further growth.

The real problem is the ongoing AC leak, which has saturated the wall and carpet backing. This requires professional assessment to identify the moisture source, contain the affected area to prevent spore spread, and properly remove contaminated porous materials. For a small, contained area, a remediation process would typically involve removing a section of the drywall and underlay, HEPA vacuuming, and applying antimicrobial agents. The final, critical step is a post-remediation verification test from an independent lab to confirm the spore count has returned to a normal indoor level.

Given your symptoms and the duration of the leak, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent and provide a scope of work. Costs vary based on the containment and demolition required, so it's best to request an on-site assessment for an accurate scope.