This content was created by Derek Cole. This content was uploaded by Derek Cole. This is a podcast episode titled "501. Black Stuff Coming Out of AC? Here's What to Do!" (created March 14, 2023). A single speaker explains causes and responses for black particles coming from a residential air conditioning system, covering: inspecting and cleaning/replacing the air filter (check every 30 days, replace about every three months), possible organic growth or mold in ducts or the unit, and failing components (worn electrical parts, coils, clogged condensate drains). The speaker emphasizes potential health and safety risks and repeatedly recommends hiring a qualified HVAC technician to inspect and repair the system rather than attempting hazardous DIY fixes.
Chapters
What to do if your air conditioner is blowing out black stuff. I don't know if you've ever noticed or seen this, but black stuff coming out of your AC unit or into your home or stuck on your filter is kind of alarming. I mean, after all, this is the mysterious black dark material. And really it shouldn't be coming out of any appliance that's designed for your home comfort, designed to keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter. And now you got this black stuff you're seeing blowing out or on your filter when you check it and change it, what's going on? But more importantly, is something wrong? Let's take a look at a few examples of what could be the cause of the black stuff coming out of your system. Number one, the air filter. This is the first place I would look. I would check to see what's going on. Has your filter failed? Is there something flaking off of your filter? Is there something going through your filter? Look at your air filter in your return grill. Go to that return grill, open it up, check your filter. Now, best practice is checking it every 30 days, right? Best practice is checking every 30 days and regardless changing it every three months. So first thing I would do is check your air filter to make sure it doesn't need replacing if you have the washable one, if it needs cleaning, check your air filter first to see if that's coming from there first. Number two, I hate to say it, but you may have stuff growing, the black particles coming out of your duck, coming into your home or stuck on your filter, it could be coming from inside of your system. Could be some organic growth. Yes. Or to the big nasty N word that we don't say, but it could, could be some organic growth happening in your system and it could be coming out of your duct system because it is in your AC unit itself. So anytime you see that or have it checked by a professional just to make sure to see what's going on. Any possible health risks being posed by the black stuff, get a professional to look at it to see what's happening. And number three, it could be a malfunctioning parts. Good bay parts go bad with the race unit, it could be causing black particles to come out. Some, some common things include worn out electrical components or coils or even dirty concept drains that are clogged up with debris. Again, you know, trying to fix these problems yourself could be dangerous. So it's best to get in touch with a professional technician that can diagnose repair any issues quickly and safely, but understanding why your AC is blowing out black stuff can be difficult without inspecting all components thoroughly, especially if you don't have any experience working with AC systems. Get a professional get them, get them to inspect everything and and recommend repairs as needed. If there's black stuff coming out of your AC unit, make sure you call a qualified technician right away so they can determine what might be causing and suggest the appropriate solutions. Again, it might be if you're not familiar, it might be dangerous for you, so get a pro involved as soon as you can to get it taken care of.
