Managing Moisture and Mold

Important new recommendations have been set forth in the latest incarnation of ASHRAE's 33-year-old Standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The stated purpose for 62.1 is "to specify minimum ventilation rates and indoor air quality that will be acceptable to human occupants and are intended to minimize the potential for adverse health effects." The standard applies to all indoor or enclosed spaces that people may occupy and it considers chemical, physical and biological contaminants that can affect air quality. Several sections relevant to the HVAC industry establish new criteria, or fortify existing ones. Chief among them are those aimed at minimizing liquid water and the potential conditions for microbial growth in air systems. New attention has been given to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of air distribution systems—all equally critical factors necessary for providing a properly functioning system for the life of the building. Significant new recommendations are given for controlling and managing the presence of water.