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Gallery 2: Contaminated HVAC Systems

 
       
 


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Supply Diffuser Mold Growth
 
 
#1-Mold on Supply Diffuser
#2-Mold on Supply Diffuser
#3-Mold on Supply Diffuser
#4-Mold on Supply Diffuser
 
 
Photos 1-4: Mold growing on air conditioning supply diffusers can often be found in mixed- and humid- climates.  Fungal organisms generally grow during the cooling cycles and go dormant during the heating cycles.  Increased respiratory exposure can result since organisms sporulate directly into the air stream.
 
 
Evaporator Coil Contamination
 
 
#1-Evap Coil
#2-Evap Coil
#3-Evap Coil
#4-Evap Coil
#5-Close-up #4
 
#6-Evap Coil
#7-Evap Coil
#8-Close-up #7
#9-Old A Coil
#10-Old A Coil
 


Photos 1-8: Contaminated air conditioning evaporator coils are a primary cause of indoor air quality complaints since biological organisms amplify directly in the air stream.  Taking advantage of debris build-up and condensate moisture, fungal organisms grow and bacterial biofilms develop.  Photos 2 & 3 show an example of filter by-pass where air streams carry debris around the filter rather than through it. 

Photo 9-10: This coil, after over 20 years service, shows very little contamination - a testament to a proper installation and vigilant filter management. 
 
 
Coil Box & Supply Plenum Contamination
 
 
#1-Coil Box Mold Growth
#2-Supply Plenum Mold
#3-Supply Plenum Mold
#4-Supply Plenum Mold
#5-Supply Plenum Mold
 
#6-Coil Box/Plenum
 
 
 
 
 
Photos 1-5:  Porous insulation in evaporator coil boxes and adjacent supply plenums can support fungal growth when these substrates absorb moisture and organic nutrients are available.  Photos 2 & 3 show the inside of a common 'duct-board' plenum. 

Photo 6: Biofilm and mold contamination inside a combination coil box supply plenum. 

All represent locations where organisms sporulate directly into the air stream.
 
 
Other Issues
 
 
#1-Dust on Blower
#2-Dust on Blower
#3-Overflow Pan
#4-Mold in Return Plenum
#5-Mold in Return Plenum
 
#6-Mold in Return Plenum
#7-Supply Boot
#8- Condensate Drain Leaks
#9-Condensate Drain Leaks
 
 
Photos 1-2:  Dust build-up on HVAC blowers is a good indication the evaporator coils are most likely contaminated.

Photo 3: Standing water in the condensate overflow pan is an indication of problems with the primary drain line.  In addition, water in the pan can promote biofilm development which places source organisms where they can be drawn into the air stream. 

Photos 4-6: Mold growing in return air plenums.  Generally only found in vertical air handlers that have had condensate drainage issues.

Photo 7:  Mold growing on uninsulated air supply boot in closet due to condensation.

Photos 8-9: Leaking condensate drain lines cause water damage and mold growth to adjacent organic substrates.
 
           
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