The average person spends a majority of their time inside the home or office. In these enclosed spaces where people rest or work, a high standard for indoor air quality must be maintained for overall good health. When a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system gets compromised, it can cause discomfort and health issues among the those who use the space. So what exactly could happen? For one:

Mold and Bacterial Growth
Leaks and non-draining moisture can encourage the growth of mold and other pollutants, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. When these conditions are present in the HVAC system, bacterial and mold colonies could develop. From these habitats, microspores are spread through the airflow.
When left unchecked, mold colonies appear in dark and damp spots, and typically emit a distinct moldy odor. Maintaining the HVAC system ensures that these hidden spots are checked for any growth. If necessary, remediation and removal of the problematic spots follow detection.



Compromised Respiratory Health
Harboring a mold or bacterial colony typically leads to a host of respiratory and other health-related conditions. An alert document from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) described the issues that could potentially affect occupants of buildings with a problematic HVAC. According to NIOSH, there is a connection between exposure to mold and other microorganisms with hypersensitivity pneumonitis or lung inflammation, asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis.

Check the Guidelines when having HVAC Checked
The US Environmental Protection Agency provides a set of guidelines for those who are planning to have their HVAC system checked.  The guide describes the process of mold detection, removal, and remediation. The USEPA also has an entire section on indoor quality monitoring.

When a property owner makes a decision to hire a professional HVAC company, they should ensure that the services follow the guidelines established by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). A comprehensive cleanup that follows set standards could help avoid further contamination of the HVAC system.

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