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When you think about mold, you probably think about the fuzzy gunk that grows on your old, forgotten food in the very back of your refrigerator. Or maybe you picture the grout in the basement bathroom that doesn’t get cleaned often enough. However, mold is not just an issue in residential homes. It can be a huge issue in commercial buildings – one that can ultimately cost you tons of money. Mold can be highly dangerous, leading to both serious illness and respiratory distress. Figuring out how to prevent mold growth and/or deal with it should be key in your workplace. 

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

There are many different types of mold in the world and not all of them are bad. In fact, some are regularly used in food and medicine (i.e. blue cheese, penicillin, etc.). Many types of mold, however, can cause serious health issues, especially in those who are prone to respiratory illness or who have allergies. Some mold, specifically black mold, can be dangerous to anyone and everyone. If any of your employees have underlying asthma or allergies, mold can decrease their comfort and productivity. If your building has black mold, the mycotoxins released from it could make everyone extremely sick.

WHERE IS IT A PROBLEM?

The bottom line is that preventing mold is a must in commercial buildings. Much of that comes down to building maintenance, including clean and maintained HVAC units, since it is the HVAC system that controls the mold’s growing conditions and is responsible for transporting spores and allowing mold to spread. Regular building maintenance should include routinely inspecting for moisture, mildew, and water damage and immediately repairing any that you find. Your HVAC coils and drip pans should be cleaned regularly, as should other HVAC system components like ducts and blowers. Daily and weekly “housekeeping” tasks should not leave any moisture sitting on surfaces. Finally, check the air intake locations for your HVAC and make sure there are no potential mold sources (i.e. standing water, dumpsters, etc.) near them.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At Hunton Services, we offer both partial and full maintenance contract options to ensure that your HVAC system stays on track long term. We also provide cleaning services for any and all HVAC equipment. Call us today for more information on how we can help keep your HVAC system clean! 713-643-8336