ImmunoLytics: Older Homes Have Increased Likelihood of Mold
10 Julio 2024 - 1:00PM
Almost every city that existed prior to the 1970s has neighborhoods
that reflect traditional home-building styles. These sought-after,
older neighborhoods often possess charm and high property values
based on the distinct character of older homes. Older homes
typically are built over crawlspaces or basements, and the vast
majority of those are unfinished. Those unfinished spaces can be a
breeding ground for mold that can contaminate indoor air, making
the homes unhealthy to live in.
Why Are Older Homes Different From Newer Ones?During the 1970s,
the innovation of central air conditioning coupled with the energy
crisis of the 1970s changed home construction as energy efficiency
became the priority. As a result, newer residential structures
with tighter building envelopes became standard. Floorplans,
construction materials, and ventilation strategies were updated.
The focus on energy efficiency required the adoption of better
insulation materials, energy-efficient windows, and more efficient
heating and cooling systems. “Older homes are three times
more likely to suffer water damage from leaks or weather events
than newer homes,” explained J.W. Biava, President of ImmunoLytics,
a mold testing laboratory. “According to the Consumer Affairs
Journal of Consumer Research, approximately one-quarter of
insurance claims filed include water damage. Mold only needs 24 to
48 hours to reproduce when exposed to moisture.”
At the core of many mold problems with older homes is the later
addition of central air and heating. Typically, HVAC systems were
added well after the home was built. It is common to find HVAC
systems in unfinished crawlspaces or basements below the home or in
unfinished attics, which can lead to a variety of issues:
· Moisture and Humidity -
Crawlspaces or attics can often have high moisture levels, which
can lead to mold, mildew, and rust on HVAC components.
· Poor Insulation -
Crawlspaces are typically less insulated than other parts of the
home, leading to heat loss and reduced HVAC efficiency.
· Pest Infestation -
Crawlspaces can attract rodents, which may damage HVAC ducts and
wiring.
· Limited Access - The
confined space can make it difficult to perform regular maintenance
and repairs on HVAC systems.
· Air Quality Issues -
Crawlspaces, attics and basements can accumulate dust, dirt, and
other contaminants that can be drawn into the HVAC system and
circulated throughout the home. Because ductwork is often used
in these unfinished spaces, any leaks will literally suck mold,
fiberglass from insulation, or dust into the home’s air.
· Condensation and Corrosion
- Temperature differences between the crawlspace and the HVAC
system can cause condensation on metal components, leading to
corrosion.
· System Overload - An HVAC
system installed in a crawlspace or attic may be undersized or
oversized. This can lead to the system being overworked due
to poor conditions or homes will cool too fast not allowing the air
conditioner to remove humidity inside the home.
· Ductwork Issues - Ducts in
crawlspaces or attics can develop leaks or become disconnected,
reducing the efficiency of the HVAC system.
“Older homes can become moldy homes because of the unfinished
crawlspaces and attics that can hold heat, moisture, and dust,
which creates an ideal breeding ground for mold,” Biava said. “HVAC
systems in unfinished areas create moisture through condensation
when warm air meets cool AC ductwork. Any leak in ductwork
can systemically spread mold throughout the home.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Indoor
mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by
controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home,
you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If
you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most
likely, the mold problem will come back.
The EPA offers a variety of strategies to fix potential mold
issues:
- The first step is
for the homeowner to have the house tested for mold.
- Additionally,
homeowners should look for water buildup outside the house that
could seep into the basement or crawl space.
- If there is a mold
issue, homeowners should put together an action plan to remedy the
problem permanently. There are various remedies including:
- Removing the mold
contamination (remediation).
- Fogging the
contaminated areas to kill the mold with a natural botanical
solution.
- Depending on the
severity, walls may need to be knocked out and replaced and
landscaping may need to be redone to prevent water coming into the
house.
- If you choose to
hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do
the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up
mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the
recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings, the guidelines of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning
and Restoration Certification (IICRC S520), or other guidelines
from professional or government organizations.
- If you suspect that
the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be
contaminated with mold, consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air
Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action.
Note: Not running the HVAC system can create additional
problems due to increased humidity when AC is not utilized. So, it
is best to continue as-is until the problem can be addressed.
“Mold can be very serious and lead to a variety of health
issues,” Biava added. “For many people there are symptoms that
never go away. The most common are chronic fatigue, brain fog,
arthritis, headaches, common pain and long covid.”
For people living in older homes, ImmunoLytics offers a
do-it-yourself mold testing kit for only $36 per room. The test
will look for 37,000 different species of mold, and all kits come
with expert consultation. More information is at ImmunoLytics.
BioBalance also offers solutions for removing mold from carpets,
crawl spaces, surfaces, and the entire home. Information is at
BioBalance.
Joanie Griffin
ImmunoLytics
505-261-4444
jgriffin@sunny505.com