And they have another major advantage over central air systems: Mini-splits systems don’t include lengths of ductwork where dust, mold and other contaminants can build up. A well maintained mini-split has the potential to deliver cleaner air to living spaces.

But just because there’s no ductwork doesn’t mean foul-smelling mold and bacteria won’t try to stake a claim on the system. Wherever there’s water, there’s the opportunity for mold.

You may not see it, but you can often smell it. A musty smell or “dirty sock syndrome” can indicate mold and mildew growth. And you know that mold and bacterial are more than just smelly –they can carry serious health risks.

The question is: What do you do about it?

Regular maintenance is the key. Or should we say superior regular maintenance. How you perform maintenance on a mini-split (or any system) can have a huge effect on future air quality and your customers’ comfort.

New to the market, our new Mini-Split First-Aid Kit resolves IAQ issues before they become problems. The kit offers two products tailor-made to mini-splits: Micro Coil Clean and Mold Control.

We’ve talked about Micro Coil Clean, which is perfect for cleaning the evaporator coils located in living spaces. It eliminates odor by eliminating mold, mildew and other fungi and bacteria.

But mold is like a weed patch or a pesky relative – you can get rid of it, but it isn’t long before it’s trying to come back.

That’s why after cleaning your coils we recommend following with an application of a fungistat/biostat. This proactive approach to cleaning helps prevent mold growth between maintenance visits. Mold Control, an EPA-registered fungistat and biostat, is the only product labeled for HVAC use while areas are inhabited – which is perfect for mini-split systems. It manages odor in ductless systems by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew for up to one year.

And it’s versatile – it controls mold and bacterial growth in ducted systems as well. In fact, Mold Control is effective on most HVAC surfaces. It’s approved for use on cooling coils, air handlers, condensate drain pans, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, registers, grills, fans, sheet metal ducts, flexible metal or plastic ducts and more.

Providing cleaner air for your customers for months after your visit is just another way to differentiate your service.

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TRANE Customers now have access to BBJ products through their stores. In this post are the cross reference numbers for BBJ and TRANE. Please note, these are sold through TRANE by Speedclean, one of our master Distributors and so mention that if their are any challenges finding the product in their system. Any questions, please call us. 

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Mini split, multi split or other split systems offer some great benefits  They are flexible cooling – or heating or both –  solutions in that you can install them in specific areas of the house without having to add ducting and large air movement systems.

BBJ Ductless/Mini Split Cleaning kit keeps systems humming…and smelling great

They operate in a very similar fashion to other condensing and evaporating systems, like a standard ducted HVAC system or even a window unit. However, unlike these other systems they can be an absolute bear to maintain and therefore sometimes go neglected.

this neglect ends up costing home owners and business owners int he wallet and in the nose. In the wallet because these systems will get less and less efficiency if not cleaned properly and in the nose, because they will start to stink!

The major reason these are tough to maintain is that the evaporator is installed on a wall, generally in a high visibility area. Accessing it can be challenging and then using the right kind of tools can cause damage to the surroundings areas. 

Well, we thought long and hard about this. How do we help the contractor access millions of units that need maintenance like any other HVAC system. And that’s where our Ductless/Mini Split Maintenance Kit came from. 

This kit contains two specific cleaning agents. The first is Micro Coil Clean, a biodegradable, non caustic coil cleaning agent in an aerosol. Easy to apply and does a great job cleaning coils. The second is Mold Control for HVAC Systems and Air Ducts. This is an EPA registered mold and mildew inhibitor that is registered for use in HVAC systems. It’s the only one of it’s kind that we know of that is labeled for use while areas are inhabited.  not only does it manage mold and mildew growth it also keeps odors at bay. No more dirty sock syndrome. 

When used as directed this solution will keep systems humming and smelling great.

Questions? just ask away in the comments. 

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The dangers of not managing mold and mildew growth in HVAC are far more than “dirty sock syndrome” where HVAC systems take on a moldy, musty odor. In fact, mold spores can be dangerous, causing difficulty breathing and also can cause major damage to buildings and infrastructure. 

Given the recent events of hurricane Sandy, we are offering some steps to making sure commercial HVAC systems are free of mold growth and odor. When power is lost to commercial HVAC systems, mold can begin to grow in as quickly as 24 hours. If left untreated it can quickly become a major issue. 

Take these 4 steps to manage mold in commercial HVAC systems. 

1. Clear all water sources. Identify any additional water or high humidity sources and fix them. 
2. Clean surfaces with an EPA registered disinfectant specially labelled form Mold and mildew cleaning in HVAC systems. Make sure to clean all surfaces per directions.
3. Apply an EPA registered mold growth inhibitor. Make sure this is labelled for HVAC use and is OK to be applied while buildings are inhabited, otherwise you will have to vacate buildings. 
4. Apply an odor cleaner and remover. This will make sure any lingering odor will be neutralized. 

If you would like to download a pdf version of this an other information, simply fill in the form below and we will provide a link.

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However, once the flood waters recede another hazard will rear its ugly head almost immediately. This is fungal and bacterial growth. 

Mold is all around us at all times. Areas with humidity and warmth will create breeding grounds for mold and mildew to form. This growth can cause permanent damage to household and commercial items as well as cause respiratory distress.

However controlling mold growth can be accomplished with a tried and true process.

1. Eliminate the source of dampness. This means thoroughly removing all standing water and using moving air to dry all other surfaces and materials.

2. Kill any bacterial and fungal growth. Use and EPA registered antibacterial and  fungicidal  to clean all surfaces make sure to read all directions as some cleaners will work better than others. This is a very important step. 

3. Control mold growth by applying a mold control agent. Again, make sure these are EPA registered mold control solutions and that they are safe for use while buildings are inhabited.

4. Use an odor control agent to manage any residual odor caused by bacterial growth that may have occurred.

Following these rules will provide for the best results in removing and controlling mold after flooding. However, please make sure to call a certified professional if information need for mold removal.

And also, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

If you are interested in any of the BBJ products that an help, here’s a quick list.

MMR-II – Mold and Mildew remover This is a powerful EPA registered disinfectant that kills mold, mildew and bacteria.
Mold Control for Floors and Surfaces - This is an EPA registered mold growth control agent that can be applied while building spaces are inhabited.  
FreshDuct – Odor management solution 

The post Mold growth after floods. Effectively controlling mold and mildew growth appeared first on BBJ Environmental Solutions.

BBJ Environmental has delivered world class solution to the restoration market for years, including our Peroxi-Cleanse cleaning solutions and Mold Control/Maintain C-1 product for long term management of bacterial and mold and mildew growth. 

Visit BBJ at booth 803. 

The post BBJ Mold & Mildew Control Products on Show at Connections, Las Vegas appeared first on BBJ Environmental Solutions.

There are a variety of resources available for identifying mold growth and taking steps to eradicate it. Some are pretty straightforward, other will require the hiring of licensed mold remediation experts. 

Here is a brief list of resources 

• EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
• EPA Cleaning Air Ducts of Mold
• Florida Bureau of Community of Environmental Health: Indoor Mold and your Health

In most of the cases the remedation and control follow 3 easy steps. 

1. Remove the source of water, himidity etc. This may means cleaning leaks, floods and or having your HVAC system properly maintained, like getting regular cleaning of your HVAC coils and other components to make sure excessive water is not pooling in the system.

2. Clean the mold with a EPA registered biocide/fungicide to kill mold spores at their sources. On HVAC system do this on coils, plenums, ducts and in the condesnate pans and lines. 

3. Use a mold control agent to control and inhibit mold and mildew growth in your HVAC system or other areas of concern. Make sure to use a Mold Control Chemical that is EPA registered and tested for use while the building is inhabited, otherwise you may need to vacate the area for some time. 

Have other resources or suggestions? We’d love to hear form you. Just leave a comment. 

The post Indoor Mold in Florida: Tips for Cleaning Mold. appeared first on BBJ Environmental Solutions.

If you discover mold and mildew in your HVAC system, utilize a few common sense steps by following this list. 

1. Contact a licensed and insured HVAC contractor. The HVAC contractors are trained in managing your HVAC system, including mold and mildew related HVAC problems. 
2. Have your contractor identify the source of the excessive moisture. Most times it’s either caused by the system not being balanced where excessive cooling is causing coils to freeze and thaw, or it’s due to your condensate pan and drainage system not working completely. 
3. In the case of you coils freezing or other system related issue, your contractor will work to balance the system. This will alleviate any issue with freezing HVAC coils. 
4. In the case of drainage issues, your HVAC contractor will identify any blockages and clean them. This will allow the system to drain away moisture, preventing any accumulation and areas for mold to propagate.
5. Once mold is identify, have the mold removed. Your HVAC contractor can remove mold in your HVAC system with BBJ MMR II, mold and mildew remover. It’s an EPA registered product designed specifically to kill mold and mildew. 
6. Once the mold and mildew have been cleaned from your HVAC system, prevent a recurrence by having your HVAC contractor treat and control mold and mildew growth with BBJ Mold Control for HVAC Systems and Air Ducts. This can be applied directly to the coils, condensate pan and other areas in your HVAC system.  It prevents the re-growth of mold and mildew in HVAC systems for months. 

 Have other tips for controlling mold in HVAC systems? Post your comments below. 

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BBJ Wins 2012 RIA Phoenix Award

Robert Baker was part of an eight-organization team that was honored by the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) with their Phoenix Award. The presentation was unlike anything the RIA had ever done before, as it represents the first time that this most prestigious industry accolade for restoration services has ever gone to a group rather than a single company. The Phoenix Award validates the concept of assembling a cadre of industry experts to plan and implement one of the most complex and challenging mold remediation projects ever undertaken.

In 2011 eight organizations, dubbed the Integrated Team, completed a two-year effort focused on the remediation of pervasive mold contamination throughout the air traffic control tower at the world’s 25th busiest airport. This work included the removal and replacement of approximately 115,000 square feet of gypsum wallboard material, and nearly 20,000 square feet of 1″ thick elevator shaft liner board. Remediation of the water-damaged/contaminated wallboard was accomplished even as this critical use facility remained operational. The efforts of the Integrated Team involved work around myriad pieces of equipment that were both sensitive and critical to the safety of the flying public. Due to the extensive nature of the fungal contamination, the entire shaft of an 18-story elevator was disassembled under controlled conditions and then rebuilt-all while the elevator remained functional! In a similar fashion, the fire rated walls of the 223-foot-high exit stair shaft were also completely remediated and replaced, while maintaining the stairwell as an emergency egress path. While remediation was underway, contractors completely rebuilt the HVAC Systems serving the complex under the direction of Mr. Baker, maintaining a satisfactory indoor environment without disrupting air traffic.

The effort by the members of the Integrated Team at Detroit Metropolitan Airport represent not only the best in technical excellence in the remediation field, but demonstrates a new approach to addressing complex situations by meshing a wide variety of skill sets and working in a truly cooperative and collaborative fashion.

Following the award presentation, Vincent Sugent, a Controller at the facility, provided an emotional testimony about the positive impact of the project on the health of those who work at the facility.

You can read the press release here. 

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We made two types of recommendations. Several were “musts” because the building operation would continue to fail occupant expatiations unless these were completed. The rest were highly recommended for long term owner satisfaction.

Must – These changes were required to conform to current codes or natural law in order for the building to perform in line with the planned use.

• Seal the roof assembly to the same level as the below ceiling building envelope. This primarily consists of minimizing heat, air and vapor movement through openings in the soffit assembly. One possibility is to remove the soffit panels, construct a sealed barrier system above them and then replace the panels. Another possibility might be to secure some gasket or other sealing system that will make the current soffits effective air-flow barriers. Whichever choice is made, insulation with a vapor barrier facing toward the interior space must be installed on top of either the new structure or the soffit panels.
• Maintain building pressurization as positive regardless of status (on cycle or off cycle) of the two air handlers. Although this could be done by setting the fan controls to continuous operation we noted that option should not be considered under any condition as operation of the fans without removing moisture from outside air will make the current moisture problem even worse. We suggested several options for doing this without risk of increasing moisture levels. We referred them to the design engineer who completed the design of the current system for his advice on which strategy to follow:
  • Minimal option – An economizer type control could be installed on the Pre treatment unit so the fan would run at all times, and the compressor would cycle as needed to maintain correct psychometric conditions (ASHRAE Standards for energy and comfort). This would take advantage of free cooling when outside conditions allow.
  • We also suggested several sources for ducted dehumidifiers for residential/light commercial use and suggested one of these could be installed on the outside air input to AHU #1 and the controls set to provide full time fan operation with cycling of the refrigeration system as needed to maintain acceptable psychometric conditions in the outside air supply. Implementing both of the above would provide slight positive pressurization at minimal cost. It still would not be optimal but would improve considerably on the current situation.
  • Second option – An enthalpy energy recovery unit could be installed on the exhaust system so as to remove heat and moisture from the outside air supply and eject it to the exhaust stream then furnish the processed outside air to the conditioned space. The unit would have to be sized to assure a net positive pressure to the building. Under this option, the operation of the current units could remain unchanged if a recovery unit of sufficient size were installed and could be made to provide adequate conditioned outside air.
  • Other options could also be considered including a redesign of the entire HVAC system. Whatever solution is chosen, the Florida Healthcare Facility Design standards would have to be consulted to assure that the resulting system meets regulations for total supply air and outside air for the surgery space.
• Finally we noted that the pre-treatment air handler condensate line did not have a trap and one must be installed.

Highly Recommended – These modifications/activities are required for the facility to perform in the manner expressed by the owner as desired, to prevent deterioration of the building asset and facilitate maintenance.

• HEPA Vacuum all surfaces in the attic areas to remove any settled spores present followed by fogging of all areas with a growth inhibitor registered by the US EPA for control of fungal growth (BBJ Maintain C1 for floors and walls or equivalent). Although eliminating the excess moisture in the attic space will probably stop the growth that was starting to form, it is good practice to remove what is existing and the inhibitor acts as an insurance policy against regrowth.
• Rework all filter racks so that they meet the guidelines contained in the National Air Filtration Association IOM (Instillation Operation and Maintenance) Manual. This includes providing gaskets and fillers as needed to eliminate existing filter bypass (currently estimated to be in excess of 15%) and providing convenient change access to the final filter on the system serving the surgery area plus installing a differential pressure gauge to monitor the condition of that filter (the gauge should be calibrated to indicate the pressure maximum pressure drop recommended by the media manufacturer prior to change out. The existing filter installation was far below standard and, although not part of the immediate complaint, would eventually result in unsatisfactory operation.
• Replace the filter rack on the Carrier system with a rack capable of supporting a higher efficiency media. (MERV 6 minimum) MERV 6 is the minimum considered adequate under current ASHRAE and other guidelines for commercial buildings. For this type of facility, MERV 11 would be preferable.
• Rework all fiberglass duct board plenums so they meet the NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard using pressure sensitive tape (or fiberglass tape) and mastic rated for UL 181A.
• Rework all flexible duct connections (including those to register boots) so they conform to the Air Diffusion Council Flexible Duct Performance and Instillation Standards (Alternate Method 4.6) using clamps and mastic that conform to UL 181B. There were many air leaks throughout the duct system that were both wasting energy and promoting moisture condensation.
• Remove air handler internal insulation that has become wet and replace with new insulation. Inspect balance of HVAC system interior as indicated in NADCA Standard ACR 2005 and clean or repair to that standard as needed. It was incredible how soiled the system was for a building that had been in operation for only three months. We speculated that the system had been operated during construction without filters in place and not cleaned before the building was occupied.
• Have Insulation Contractor reinstall insulation between rafters using retaining netting so the insulation will form a uniform thermal, air and vapor barrier. We also considered that the owner consider one of the new spray insulation systems as these would be less likely to be dislodged than the bats and provide a more effective air and vapor barrier.

What Happened?

When we last checked, some of the recommendations had been implemented. The insulation had been reinstalled, The duct system had been sealed according to current industry standards and the existing mold had been removed. The sealing of the soffit space was to be completed the next week.

The HVAC contractor initially resisted any additions to the system insisting that control modifications (adding a humidistat) would handle the problem. The day after the control modifications were completed, water dripped on the Physician and now a heat/moisture recovery system is on order.

Bob Baker is a member of IAQA, ASHRAE, CSPA and Chairman and CEO of BBJ Environmental Solutions, “The Standard of Care for Indoor Air”. BBJ has its office in Riverview, FL and Mr. Baker follows indoor air quality developments throughout the world. For additional information, Mr. Baker can be reached at (800) 889-2251 or through the company web site at www.bbjenviro.com.

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