EnergyWise Technologies Helps You Avoid Toxic Mold and Other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Toxic Mold
The EnergyWise Healthy Home Certification specifically addresses toxic mold using three important components to insure that this fungal culprit is controlled.
Back in the early 90's, the Environmental Protection Agency studied how conditions such as temperature, moisture and humidity effect mold growth. They determined that one of the most critical elements for mold to thrive and expand was humidity. The combination of high humidity and the presence of cellulose, like the paper facing used in drywall, provide a nearly perfect breeding ground for mold.
Elevated counts of poisonous fungal species have been attributed to poorly maintained offices or homes with moisture problems or water damage. Many home and workplace related illness is caused by mold and fungi. Insurance claims relating to mold contamination has reached the level that many home insurance carriers have dropped mold coverage.
Keeping a building dry and free from water leaks, while maintaining the relative humidity at or below 50%, will not allow most species of mold to grow. Mold is virtually everywhere, in minute concentrations. It is only when the concentration of mold reaches a certain size that mold becomes problematic or toxic.
The first way the EnergyWise program addresses humidity is through the correct sizing of the HVAC system. The air-conditioner was invented while trying to make a de-humidifier, and it works wonderfully. Unfortunately, in ultra-energy-efficient structures, many times the HVAC is over-sized and the AC does not run long enough to handle the latent humidity. So, the first line defense against mold is an accurate mechanical analysis. When a properly sized system is used in conjunction with a humidity controlled thermostat, it is a simple issue to maintain the level of humidity at 50% or less, as required to eliminate an environment where mold can grow.
Then, we recommend a high-end filtration system utilizing a UV light on the cooling coils and drip-pan. The coils and drip-pan are the primary breeding ground for mold in AC systems and it must be addressed to control mold. With the dehumidifying capability of a correctly sized HVAC system, UV light for the coils and pan and good filtration, an EnergyWise Certified home is assured of being a Healthy home, free from toxic mold.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
EnergyWise Certification addresses the problem issue of Volatile Organic Compounds as well. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are in everything from paints and coatings to underarm deodorant and cleaning fluids. Off-gassing from carpets, drapery, new clothing, furniture and even plywood paneling can put high concentrations of VOC's into the air in our structures. This off-gassing has been implicated in countless incidence of "toxic house syndrome," where people become mysteriously sick.
A standard filtration system can not deal with VOC's adequately. The "catch and collect" filters can trigger toxic reactions simply by changing the filters. Shaking, bumping or even dropping dirty filters in the trash can release a powerful concentration of the trapped particles, so always wear an air filter when changing your filters.
EnergyWise prefers a self-cleaning, ultraviolet air filtration system. It combines a cold cathode UV light directed on the cooling coils and drip pan to control mold and mildew with a self cleaning hydroxide filtration system that oxidizes or chemically burns up the VOC's. In addition, it eliminates a long list of air born pollutants - including radon gas.
An added benefit of this self-cleaning system is that your HVAC equipment can keep running without the degrading effects of a clogged air filter restricting air flow, which can reduce efficiency up to 12%. Catch and collect is great when you're fishing, but not so good when dealing with VOC's or getting the most from your HVAC system.
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