Solving humidity problems in the Midwest is more difficult than other, dryer, parts of the country. Controlling humidity comes down to being able to limit the amount of moisture that gets into the building. Use the Moisture Load data as a key metric when choosing an HVAC system for your building. This data is from a study done by ASHRAE which examined peak moisture conditions globally. The goal is to use this data to install a system that keeps relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Anything over 60% and mold can begin to grow more readily. Let’s take a closer look at mold, and then we will discuss how to prevent humidity problems in commercial buildings.
Humidity Problems: Understanding Mold
Mold can thrive in damp environments that also contain organic material (material that used to be alive). This includes wood studs, drywall paper backing, paneling and a number of other sources. When relative humidity exceeds 60%, the likelihood of mold growth increases. As mold consumes organic materials, it begins shooting mold spores into the air. These spores are what we often associate with a “damp or musty” smell in a space. Not only is this bad for building materials, but it is also the cause of respiratory problems and allergies for tenants. Preventing mold can go a long way in improving indoor air quality and protecting building materials. Important Note: Another common place mold can wreak havoc on are evaporator coils. Ensure your system is getting the maintenance it needs to prevent mold growth and treat it if it is occurring.
What Are the most common causes of humidity problems in a commercial building?
A study done by Don Gatley which examined 79 different moisture issues in commercial buildings over a 25-year period. It found that all except 4 were caused by building suction or excess humidity in ventilation and make-up air. These are also some of the most common humidity problems we see when addressing humidity issues with customers.
Building Suction Issues
Buildings that expel more air then they bring in create what is known as a “negative pressure”. This creates a suction effect in the facility that can most commonly be noticed with hard to open exterior doors. Because of this imbalance, air floods into the facility around weak points, like doors and windows. When this outside air is humid, it creates all sorts of moisture related issues in the facility.
So, what can you do? A TAB service provider can adjust dampers, set points, pressure controls and fan speeds across all your HVAC systems. The aim is to maintain an interior pressure slightly higher than outdoor pressure. This helps reduce infiltration of humid air and can also prevent indoor air quality (IAQ) issues.
Humidity Problems: Excess Humidity in Ventilation and Make-up Air
One of the more popular ways for buildings to deal with high humidity issues is ventilation dehumidification. This is because for most buildings, ventilation and make-up air carry the biggest humidity load. By installing a ventilation dehumidification unit, you can drop the humidity level before the air enters the building. This helps ensure that relative humidity doesn’t spike above 60% even during peak humidity season. When installing one of these units you should also add a return air connection for humidity control during unoccupied hours. By installing a return air connection, you can reduce exterior ventilation during unoccupied hours and still maintain a low relative humidity in your building. The return air connection save you utility costs, because it prevents the unit from running during ideal conditions.[Enjoying this article? Then you may also like: Challenge Yourself To A Guilt Free, Chilly Summer With These 4 Tips]
Watch Out For Water Seepage
If you can’t find a problem within your HVAC System, check for dampness in foundation and walls of your building. Water seeping into buildings through joints in the concrete foundation can often lead to fungal growth if not dealt with correctly. When moisture seeps in, it often comes in contact with organic building materials that allows mold to begin growing.
Humidity Problems Got You Down?
Reach out to the experts at Rasmussen Mechanical Services and ensure your facility is safe. Call us at 1-800-237-3141, email sales@rasmech.com or contact us online.
