Why winter raises mold risk
Winter means closed windows, drier outdoor air, and long HVAC run times. Warm, humid indoor air meets cold surfaces (windows, exterior walls, poorly insulated ducts) and condenses, creating damp pockets inside walls, above ceiling tiles, and around supply diffusers. If wet materials aren’t dried within roughly 24–48 hours, mold can take hold and spread via the air system. The outcome: comfort complaints, musty odors, and potential health symptoms that hurt productivity.
Quick signs your building needs attention
- Musty smells when the heat cycles on
- Recurring condensation on windows, supply grilles, or ductwork
- Water stains or bubbling paint on ceilings/walls
- Occupant symptoms (coughing, congestion, irritated eyes) that improve away from the building
- Past leaks or roof issues that were “patched,” but never moisture-verified
A practical winter IAQ plan for facility managers
1) Tune the HVAC for the season
- Replace filters (MERV as designed), confirm correct fit, and inspect for bypass.
- Clear and test condensate pans, traps, and drains.
- Seal obvious duct leaks that can pull humid air from plenums and cavities.
- Verify economizer and outside-air dampers operate as intended (stuck dampers = stale air + moisture imbalances).
2) Keep humidity in the sweet spot
Target 30–50% RH in occupied areas. In problem zones, use portable dehumidification or adjust setpoints to reduce cold-surface condensation. Insulate sweating ducts and add thermal breaks where needed.
3) Fix water sources first (always)
Track roof, façade, plumbing, and HVAC leaks to source. Treating odors without stopping moisture just masks the problem. Log each leak with date, location, cause, and corrective action.
4) Dry or remove wet materials within 24–48 hours
Small incidents: extract, dehumidify, and verify with moisture meters. Larger events or recurrent growth: bring in a certified testing firm and follow professional containment/cleanup practices.
5) Inspect deliberately, not casually
- Weekly winter walk-throughs: mechanical rooms, roof penetrations, under air handlers, perimeter offices, copy rooms, and restrooms.
- Look for rust streaks, drip marks, lifted ceiling tiles, or discolored insulation.
- Add a simple route sheet so nothing is missed during holidays or staffing gaps.
6) Measure, don’t guess
Equip your team with:
- Hygrometers (RH/temp) for trending and setting alarms
- Pin/pinless moisture meters for drywall, studs, and flooring
- Thermal imaging to find cold, moisture-prone zones behind finishes
Re-measure after fixes to confirm drying is complete.
7) Ventilation & filtration sanity check
Use your design documents as the baseline (e.g., ASHRAE 62.1 for many commercial spaces). Ensure outside-air intakes are open per design and not blocked. Verify supply/return balance in areas with persistent odors or stuffiness.
8) Communication that reduces complaints
Give occupants a simple way to report leaks/odors (QR code or email). Share a one-page “winter IAQ memo” with housekeeping and maintenance so damp areas get flagged and dried fast. For any containment or cleaning, post clear notices to set expectations.
When to test professionally
Call a certified environmental testing firm if you have:
- Visible growth beyond roughly 10 sq ft, or repeated spotting returning after cleaning
- Odors that persist despite humidity control and leak repair
- Employee symptom clusters or client complaints
- Post-leak verification needs before reopening spaces
A professional inspection can combine moisture mapping with air and surface sampling to determine whether spore levels are elevated and to pinpoint sources. Clear, defensible reports help prioritize remediation, document due diligence, and satisfy insurers or regulators if needed.
Why this matters for compliance and operations
Employers are expected to provide a safe, healthy workplace. Proactive IAQ management reduces sick days and keeps renovation or production schedules on track. It also protects finishes and equipment—moisture damage is far more expensive than prevention.
EnviroPro 360: Your winter IAQ partner in GA & SC
EnviroPro 360 is the Southeast’s premier environmental testing service for Augusta/CSRA and the Carolinas. Our certified team provides:
- Leak detection & moisture mapping (thermal imaging + meters)
- Mold and indoor air quality testing with accredited lab analysis
- Clear, action-ready reports your facilities team can implement
- Post-remediation verification to confirm normal fungal ecology
We don’t guess — we test, so you can act with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let winter moisture turn into spring repairs. Contact EnviroPro 360 to schedule a winter IAQ assessment and keep your building healthy, compliant, and comfortable.
