Re:AN PINK FIBER-GLASS INSULATION GROW MOLD?

[Guest guest]

COCOPOLLYPHENOL,

I would not be as concerned about mold in the attic insulation as in

the air conditioning system, where microbial growth is virtually

inevitable if the climate is humid enough to provide moisture for

condensation on the cooling coil.

While in the house, turn the system to " fan only " (with the compressor

off! very important, i.e. have the thermostat set to the highest

setting so the compressor does not operate, as cycling the compressor

can cause damage) and cycle the blower on and off a few times. Stand

close to a vent with good air flow. This will stir up the dust a bit

and you can see it the system bothers you.

This is no guarantee but this might be enlightening.

MERV-11 filtration is essential but if the coil and surround are dirty

already, the interior of the fan coil has to be cleaned and the coil

professionally cleaned of all dust and disinfected (hydrogen peroxide

can be used if chlorine products are an issue for you).

Remove the covers from floor registers and look inside with a mirror

and a bright flashlight. If you see any black spots on gray dust, this

could be mold. (Unless the builder was extraordinarily scrupulous,

expect to see construction dust.)

May

May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

Tyngsborough, MA

www.mayindoorair.com

>

>

>> RE: CAN PINK FIBER-GLASS INSULATION GROW MOLD?

>>

>> POSTED BY: \ " COCOPOLLYPHENOL\ " COCOPOLLYPHENOL@...

>> COCOPOLLYPHENOL

>>

>> Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:59 am (PDT)

>>

>> Jeff, thanks so much for that useful information.

>>

>> I am considering looking at rental or purchase of an MCS safe house

>> outside Austin. It seems like he did much correctly. He used

>> fiberboard instead of drywall, agriboard (those concrete panels that

>> look like wood) on the outside, metal roof, shielded wiring, tile

>> floors, formaldehyde free etc etc. My two concerns (not having seen it

>> yet) are the recycled denim insulation in the roof. To my mind this is

>> problematic. Cotton molds easily. It loves water and moisture and it

>> molds very fast. Wool would have been better. OTOH with a metal roof

>> and the house only 5 years old, if he's controlling humidity it might

>> be fine.

>>

>> In addition, I have no idea how he maintains his hvac. The compressor

>> is outside, but if people don't use the filters you mention and keep

>> RH down in the house, can't mold enter the system?

>>

>> I wonder if that's the case, if it can be fixed...perhaps by

>> installing the right merv filters?

>>

>> Again I haven't seen the house yet but much about it sounds great.

[Guest guest]

Jeff, I don't understand directions below, about leaving fan on but compressor

off.

I have my fan set to constantly on, so that when the air conditioner shuts off,

the fan still goes and dries out the coils. That doesn't cause damage, does it?

Thanks

>

> While in the house, turn the system to " fan only " (with the compressor

> off! very important, i.e. have the thermostat set to the highest

> setting so the compressor does not operate, as cycling the compressor

> can cause damage) and cycle the blower on and off a few times. Stand

> close to a vent with good air flow. This will stir up the dust a bit

> and you can see it the system bothers you.

>