Mold, Mildew, Indoor Air Quality & Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Last week, in our blog “The Link between Spring Allergies, Indoor Air Quality, & HVAC Maintenance,” we outlined the effects a dirty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have on the Indoor Air Quality of a building and how this can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. This week, we are focusing on another indoor air quality concern: Mold and Mildew. Just like dust, dirt, and allergens, mold and mildew can plague your HVAC system. And when the system is not properly cleaned and maintained, your HVAC system can help transport these mold spores throughout your building, which can lead to Sick Building Syndrome.

“Mold can lead to a variety of health effects ranging from more common allergic reactions, to asthma attacks, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis,” according to the EPA.

This is why Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance is so important. It is the only way to truly ensure that your HVAC system is clean and free of mold, mildew, dust, dirt, allergens, and any other debris.

CommercialPreventative Maintenance for your Air Conditioning Systems in Offices

1. Coils and Drain Pans: When not properly designed and maintained, water can pool in the drain pan, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This is why it is so important to slope and regularly clean the drain pan.
2. Humidification and Dehumidification Equipment: To prevent mold growth, it is important to drain and occasionally treat wet surfaces.
3. Outdoor Air Dampers: Dust and dirt tend to accumulate on the outdoor air dampers. Because of this, regular cleaning is a must.
4. Air Filters: Replacing air filters is one of the simplest, yet most important aspects of HVAC preventative maintenance.
5. Air Ducts: Cleaning the ductwork is the only way to ensure that mold spores, allergens, and other contaminants are not spread throughout your building.
6. Return-Air Plenum: Condensation on pipes in the plenum area can eventually lead to mold if not properly cleaned.
7. Cooling Towers: You should periodically monitor water quality and chemical treatment to prevent microbial growth.
8. Air Intakes: Make sure air intakes are clear of organic material or other debris, including bird or bat droppings.

Spring is the perfect time to address mold and mildew growth in your HVAC system. As the weather begins to warm, mold and mildew that was dormant during the winter months will begin to grow and spread.

Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance from Crockett Facilities Services Inc.

At Crockett Facilities Services Inc. (CFSI), we provide heating and air conditioning preventative maintenance services for commercial and government buildings throughout Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Contact us today to get a FREE assessment of your HVAC equipment.

If you have any questions, please contact Crockett Facilities Services by calling 202.600.2787 or email sales@crockett-facilities.com and see how our MSCA GreenSTAR certified service technicians can help you. We’re in this Building Together!

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This entry was posted on Friday, May 3rd, 2013 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.