Case Study: Controlling Humidity in Affordable Multi-Family Housing for Health, Comfort and Property Protection

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June 13, 2018

The following is the last article in a three-part series addressing mold and moisture control in multi-family housing. The first article, The Ideal HVAC System for Multifamily Buildings: Designing for Health, Comfort, and Efficiency appeared in May’s newsletter followed by a Case Study: Preventing Mold and Moisture Issues in Senior Housing that appeared in last month’s newsletter.

Controlling humidity in affordable multi-family housing units is a continual challenge as most building owners, architects, engineers, property managers, and even tenants can attest. Guarding against the potential damage inflicted by excess moisture can be a full-time job. Experienced professionals know there is only one proven, cost-effective way to beat moisture: Early Prevention.

Unfortunately, you cannot control tenant activities that lead to moisture problems, which are further compounded by today’s energy efficient building practices. Building codes focused on higher energy efficiency result in better insulated, more tightly constructed spaces. These buildings, and the spaces within them, require far less runtime of the air conditioning units, which presents a challenge since the air conditioning units typically provide the dehumidification. Less air conditioning run time means less moisture removal and a much greater potential for microbial growth.

Problem

An affordable multi-family housing complex in climate zone 4 recently dealt with a significant mold issue caused by excessive humidity in several of the units. The complex, constructed in 2015, was designed and built using energy efficiency best practices. Two-stage cooling equipment was installed with the understanding that the equipment would provide better moisture control. To meet code requirements regarding indoor air contaminants, a fresh air ventilation control and intake damper were installed as well.

As it turned out, the two-ton condensing systems were grossly oversized for the one-bedroom units. Further compounding the problem was the humid air being brought in through the fresh air intake. To try and resolve the issue, tenants kept lowering the thermostats and over-cooling the space. Unfortunately, the lower surface temperature increased the interior dew points to a level where sufficient water activity was present to support microbial growth on the walls.

Photo Caption: Microbial growth on the walls prior to the installation of an Ultra-Aire MD33 In-Wall Dehumidifier.

Following a normal humid summer, the resident of a one-bedroom, second-floor, 700-square foot apartment began noticing mold on the walls of her bedroom, the hallway, and the kitchen. According to the EPA, indoor relative humidity (RH) should be maintained between 35% and 50% for maximum comfort, but the RH is this apartment was measured at 74%. The tenant confirmed that she kept the thermostat temperature set at an uncomfortable 66° F because of how muggy her apartment always felt.

Conditions inside apartment were 74% RH and 66°F.

Solution

The tenant was temporarily relocated while the unit was remediated and an Ultra-Aire MD33 In-Wall Dehumidifier was installed.

Almost immediately, the RH stabilized in the 50% range, with dew point values remaining consistently low, while the interior temperature was maintained at a comfortable and affordable 75° F. The resident reported an immediate difference in the feel of her apartment, with the sticky, clammy feeling she had endured now eliminated. As a result of this success, property management installed Ultra-Aire MD33 In-Wall Dehumidifiers in all of the building’s first and second floor units.

After installation of an Ultra-Aire MD33 In-Wall Dehumidifier, RH stabilized in the 50% range and the apartment temperature was 75°F.

Why Install an In-Wall Dehumidifier?

Indoor humidity cannot be effectively or efficiently controlled with an air conditioning system alone. Excessive moisture can contribute to poor indoor air quality, property damage, mold, comfort complaints, and reputational risk and liability.

Including a dedicated in-wall dehumidifier as an integral part of the mechanical system protects the physical investment and creates a comfortable, healthier living environment for residents.

For more information, please visit www.InWallDehumidifer.com.

Author
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Ron Revia

Technical Sales Manager at Therma-stor

Ron Revia is a 20-year veteran of the HVAC industry having worked as a licensed contractor, distributor sales manager and manufacturer’s representative. Most recently, Revia has spent the past several years working with architects, engineers and contractors who design and build multi-family properties to prevent microbial issues in apartments.