Mould prevention
We all know the telltale dark spots of mould on food, wet towels, and in bathroom corners. We’ll immediately get rid of whatever’s mouldy and clean contaminated areas, so why not immediately address a fan coil with mould growing inside the cabinet or insulation?
Poorly maintained and aging fan coil units can provide the perfect environment for mould growth in high-rise buildings that are 20 or more years old
ENVIRONMENT FOR
Mould growth
Condominiums consist of hundreds of components that function hand in hand to create a safe and comfortable home for its residents. An aging fan coil can provide the perfect home for mould to grow. Proper maintenance and cleaning can mitigate mould growth, but the environment in which a fan coil lives – behind the access panel in a warm, dark environment that experiences temperature variances – is the perfect place for mould to grow. Combined with use, rusted drain pans, degrading fiberglass insulation, and moisture condensation, your fan coil can both host mould growth and spread it through the ventilation systems without residents even knowing.
CAN MOULD
Grow in a fan coil?
The short answer, yes. Fan coils in buildings over 20 years old were originally installed using fiberglass insulation. Only recently have retrofit fan coils begun using closedcell foam that assists in preventing mould growth. Fiberglass insulation can act as a breeding ground for mould if met with temperatures over 4.5 degrees Celsius and moisture. Moisture can make its way onto the insulation by way of excessive condensation from humidity or pooling water in old flat drain pans. Condensation can occur naturally from seasonal changes in temperatures or higher heat and humidity which finds its way into the tightly woven fibers of the insulation within the fan coil cabinet. Should the temperatures remain over 4.5 degrees Celsius for more than 24 hours, mould has the right amount of time to form. Beyond 72 hours there’s enough time for mould spores to multiply.
DANGERS OF MOULD
Growth in fan coil units
The real danger of mould comes from its exposure. While immediate attention and remediation can limit this danger, people often don’t realize there’s mould growing in their fan coils until it’s begun to create issues. One of the telltale signs of mould growth is musty odours. In some cases, certain mould species don’t give off odours so mould could be present without the residents’ knowledge. In the case of a fan coil, the real danger comes from the debris that exits through the ventilated air. Mould growing within the degrading fiberglass can break off and be blown through the exit grilles into the suite’s air. These fibers being blown into the air are microscopic so residents won’t be able to see them but could very easily inhale them. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and in the case of black mould, mycotoxins which can affect the lungs, skin, and nervous system. Mould spores can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, irritated eyes, skin rashes, headaches, and in severe cases asthma attacks.
MOULD
Prevention
Age, humidity, lack of maintenance, and fiberglass deterioration are common issues resulting in mould growth. The Unilux CRFC retrofit unit uses closed cell foam insulation with anti-microbial properties in place of fiberglass to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration. Stainless steel, sloped drain pans ensure that no standing water is present.