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Mold and mildew in older HVAC systems
By: Patrick Mahoney
Owner/Operator
of SHERLOCK HOME INSPECTOR
In South Carolina where the summers are hot and humid, We rely on
our air conditioning systems to keep us comfortable and keep the inside of
our houses dry and mildew free. A
great many homes in this area have what is commonly known as a Gas Pack
system with an air conditioning condenser unit on the outside of the
house, and a gas furnace and air conditioning evaporator coil in the crawl
space under the house.
The evaporator coil becomes very cold, and air that passes over it
is cooled and looses its moisture in the form of condensation.
This process cools and dries the air in your home so that you feel
comfortable. In a very humid
climate, the amount of condensation can be considerable.
This moisture typically drains into a pan under the coil and is
then either pumped or drained by gravity out of the crawl space and away
from the structure. If the
drain line becomes clogged, or the pump fails, or a pipe fitting comes
loose, water backs up in the tray and/or drains onto the crawl space
floor.
Standing water in a dark, hot and humid crawl space is an
invitation for mold and mildew to form.
Many older HVAC systems are not airtight and allow crawl space air
to enter the system, and where the condensation drainage is interrupted,
mold and mildew can be pulled into your HVAC system.
If, during an inspection, I find a broken, leaking or obstructed
drain line, I report it to the home owner with a recommendation to have it
repaired. It’s not a bad
idea to have an annual heating and air conditioning check up, and to ask
the technician to pay careful attention to the drain pan and pipes, and to
make sure that the ductwork is in good condition with no splits, holes or
gaps. If you suspect mold, contact a certified mold inspector.
Article: Mold and mildew in older
HVAC systems
by Patrick Mahoney Ó 2004 |
