Chances are the air ducts and HVAC system inside your home or office will not be on to help control the moisture from Long Island weather. This is a dream for mildew and mold. There is no humidity control’ which means, it is time to move in. Homes, Offices, Schools, and Commercial Buildings can become a breathing ground for mold over the summer break as no one is there to monitor the vents or occupy the building. These high levels of moisture are the cause of high levels of humidity, water damage, and condensation. As required, the HVAC system will bring change the air and bring in the fresh air. Without this system running, the moist air will sneak in causing an even more of a hazardous environment. When you have humidity level that is hitting above 70%, it brings in a threat to the structure. This is in part because of the moist conditions that are sustaining the formation of mold. This is common when there is a high level of humility when the systems shut down.
Mold and Mildew in School’s Air Ducts & HVACs
When school is in session, there are many projects that cannot be done due to classes. Once the maintenance and custodial crews start cleaning and repairing the build it becomes even moister. Mainly because they do not think of leaving the HVAC system on throughout the summer. Now, these projects are allowing for the mold and bacteria to spread. As carpets are deep cleaned and the floors are stripped and waxed, more moisture is created. This is introducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to the air inside the building. Custodians are aware of the moisture that cleaning may cause and will open the windows to help with the air flow. What they do not realize is by opening the window, if it is hot or humid outside, it will cause more moisture in the air. Keep in mind, after all the cleaning, the windows are closed, and the building is locked up for the night. This causes the humidity and VOCs to explore the building with no way out.
What is the Solution?
Controlling humidity is very important. Although, for a school, the cost of running the HVAC system throughout the summer with no one inside can be very costly. The next best thing to help cut down the cost and control the humidity is a dehumidification system that will help remove most of the humidity and get rid of the moisture. The best thing for a school is to work with a humidity control company. They bring in rental units that are portable. The units are set close to the mechanical room of the school. Then ductwork that is portable and temporary will be either overhead or along the ground. This is to establish a portable system that will do the job during the offseason. This system will allow for the rooms of the school or building to be filled with air that is dry.
Storms and Flooding! We need to Prepare
Everyone must worry about storms and possible flooding. This can cause a lot of moisture. This moisture can come from weather that causes flooding to building equipment and pipes leaking. That means the action is quickly needed to fix the issues that arise for you to continue to preserve the air quality. Keep in mind, the longer the water is flowing, or the conditions remain wet, the harder it is to fix the issue and maintain mold control. The best way is through large dehumidifiers. A large unit can pull up to 800 gallons of water a day while the smaller refrigeration units only pull up to about 5 gallons in a day. Mold and mildew are a serious issue for schools during the summer breaks. Have a plan and ensure it is executed as summer begins and the HVAC systems are shut down.
These are important months to ensure your air ducts and HVAC systems are clean from mold and poor air quality! Call IAC – Indoor Air Care Professionals today for high quality air duct cleaning services.
REFERENCE:
SIMKINS D. (27 APRIL 2011). PREVENTING MOISTURE IN SCHOOLS DURING SUMMER. RETRIEVED FROM
THE RESTORATION & REMEDIATION WEBSITE: https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/85325-
preventing-moisture-in-schools-during-summer