Roots of Mold Problems and Humidity Control Measures in Institutional Buildings with Pre-Existing Mold Condition

Abstract

Humidity control and mold in buildings has\nbecome an increasingly important problem. Once a\nbuilding has experience mold growth on walls,\nceilings, and other surfaces, it does not take longterm\nexposure to moisture for mold to re-grow in the\nbuilding. Some commercial buildings on the Texas\nA&M University (TAMU) campus have suffered\nwith humidity problems for many years. The\nContinuous Commissioning (CCSM) group of the\nEnergy Systems Lab in collaboration with the\nUtilities Office of Energy Management, and the\nTAMU Physical Plant, was dispatched to perform\nContinuous Commissioning on these commercial\nbuildings in order to find viable solutions to the\nhumidity problem. The CC group performed\nextensive field tests and analysis on building air\nhandling unit (AHU), exhaust systems, building\nconstruction, and the Energy Management Control\nSystem (EMCS). Based on the field studies and\nanalysis, a four-category (Design, construction,\nbuilding retrofits and alterations, and poor\nmaintenance) system was set up to classify sources\nfor high humidity problems. This paper presents the\ninvestigation and follow-up efforts, which identified\nreasons and corrective measures for the high\nhumidity levels in these buildings, turning these\ninefficient and humid commercial buildings into\ncomfortable environments. Recommendations for\ndealing with such possible problems are provided.