Mold growth is a persistent problem in many buildings, posing significant health risks to occupants and causing structural damage. One of the most overlooked contributors to this issue is the improper selection or operation of the Fresh Air Handling Unit (FAHU). While FAHUs are essential for ensuring indoor air quality by supplying treated fresh air to a building, incorrect sizing, design, or operation can inadvertently create conditions favorable for mold growth.

What is a FAHU?

A Fresh Air Handling Unit (FAHU) is a critical component of an HVAC system, designed to treat and regulate the outdoor air being introduced into a building. It controls parameters such as temperature, humidity, and filtration, ensuring the indoor environment remains healthy and comfortable.

How Improper FAHU Selection Leads to Mold Formation

1. Inadequate Humidity Control
   One of the FAHU's primary roles is to manage the moisture levels in incoming air. If an FAHU is not appropriately sized for the building's air volume or local climatic conditions, it may fail to dehumidify the air effectively. High humidity levels inside a building create a conducive environment for mold spores to thrive, especially on walls, ceilings, and within ductwork.

2. Over-Sized FAHU Units
   Oversized FAHUs often cycle on and off frequently, a phenomenon known as "short cycling." While this might cool the air quickly, it does not allow enough time for proper dehumidification. The result is a cool but moist indoor environment, which is ideal for mold growth.

3. Undersized FAHU Units
   Undersized FAHUs struggle to handle the required air volume, especially during peak load conditions. This can lead to inadequate ventilation and insufficient removal of excess humidity, again creating the perfect conditions for mold proliferation.

4. Improper Filtration
   FAHUs are equipped with filters to trap dust, debris, and microorganisms, including mold spores. If the filters are not designed for the specific application or are poorly maintained, spores can bypass the filtration system and settle in moist areas within the ducts or indoor spaces.

5. Insufficient Insulation or Poor Design
   Improperly insulated FAHU components can lead to condensation, especially in areas where cold air comes into contact with warmer surfaces. This condensation provides a water source for mold. Additionally, poorly designed FAHUs with stagnant zones or improper airflow can create pockets of high humidity where mold can grow unnoticed.

6. Neglected Maintenance
   Even the most advanced FAHU cannot perform well without regular maintenance. Dirty cooling coils, clogged drains, or worn-out filters can reduce the system's ability to control humidity and filtration effectively, leading to mold growth over time.

7. Wrong Set-points

   Setting the FAHU (Fresh Air Handling Unit) supply air temperature at a higher value instead of a lower temperature can significantly impact humidity control. At higher supply air temperatures, the air undergoes less cooling, resulting in reduced moisture removal during the cooling process. This leads to higher relative humidity levels in the conditioned space, as warmer air holds more moisture. In contrast, lower supply air temperatures facilitate greater moisture removal, improving dehumidification and maintaining lower relative humidity. Using a higher setpoint may result in inadequate humidity control in environments with high ambient moisture or spaces requiring precise humidity regulation, such as data centers or laboratories. Striking the right balance is crucial to achieving energy efficiency while meeting humidity control requirements.

Consequences of Mold Formation

• Health Risks: Mold releases spores and mycotoxins that can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and even serious health conditions in sensitive individuals.

• Structural Damage: Mold weakens building materials, leading to costly repairs and, in extreme cases, structural failure.

• Reduced HVAC Efficiency: Mold growth within the HVAC system increases airflow resistance, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.

How to Prevent Mold Formation Through Proper FAHU Selection

1. Accurate Load Calculations
   Ensure the FAHU is sized appropriately for the building's air volume, expected occupancy, and climatic conditions. This involves detailed heat load and humidity calculations.

2. Effective Dehumidification
   Choose FAHUs equipped with advanced dehumidification capabilities, especially for buildings in humid climates.

3. High-Quality Filtration
   Install filters rated for capturing fine particles and microorganisms, such as MERV 13 or higher, to prevent mold spores from entering indoor spaces.

4. Prevent Condensation
   Ensure proper insulation of ducts and FAHU components to prevent condensation. Drain pans should be designed to avoid water pooling.

5. Regular Maintenance
   Establish a maintenance schedule for cleaning coils, replacing filters, and checking for leaks or stagnant water.

The FAHU is a cornerstone of indoor air quality, but improper selection or operation can turn it into a liability, fostering mold growth and compromising the health and safety of occupants. Investing in the correct design, sizing, and maintenance of your FAHU can prevent mold issues, save costs in the long run, and ensure a healthy indoor environment.

At Stout Energy, we specialize in designing and maintaining efficient HVAC systems tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help prevent mold and improve indoor air quality in your building.

Click here to control humidity and indoor air quality in your building.