Twice a year, building systems shift gears. As the weather turns, many Reading office buildings switch from cooling to heating or the reverse, and that changeover is a good time to look for moisture problems before they turn into mold. For facility managers and property owners, a little attention during the transition can help avoid tenant complaints, repairs, and downtime.

Why HVAC Changeover Season Can Raise Mold Risk

Mold needs moisture, and HVAC systems are one place where moisture can be present. During the cooling season, coils produce condensation that is meant to drain away through drain pans and condensate lines. If those components are clogged, damaged, or dirty, water can stand or overflow into ceilings, walls, and mechanical rooms. At changeover, systems that have been idle may also be started up with buildup or standing moisture that went unnoticed.

Once materials are wet, mold can begin to grow within about 24 to 48 hours. Left alone, it can spread through ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and ductwork.

Changeover Checklist for Office Buildings

• Inspect drain pans and condensate lines. Look for standing water, slime, rust, or clogs, and make sure drainage flows freely.
• Check coils and air handlers. Dirty or damaged components can hold moisture and affect airflow.
• Replace filters. Clean filters help the system run properly and keep dust and debris from building up.
• Look at the ductwork and insulation. Check accessible duct insulation and connections for dampness, stains, or damage.
• Check ceiling tiles and walls. Stains, discoloration, or sagging tiles near vents and mechanical areas can mean a leak or condensation problem.
• Monitor humidity. Keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, and ideally in the 30 to 50 percent range, helps limit mold growth.
• Review the building envelope. Roof leaks, gaps around windows and doors, and drainage problems can add moisture to the building.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• A musty or earthy smell, particularly near vents or in mechanical rooms
• Visible mold or discoloration on ceiling tiles, walls, or around diffusers
• Water stains, drips, or condensation on surfaces
• Tenant or employee complaints about odors, allergy-like symptoms, or irritation

If You Find Moisture or Mold

Stop the source of moisture if you can do it safely, and avoid disturbing suspected mold, since that can spread spores through the space. Document what you see with photos, notify your property manager, tenants, and insurer as appropriate, and bring in professionals. Your HVAC contractor can address the equipment, and a restoration team can handle the water damage and mold remediation in the building.

Plan Ahead to Reduce Downtime

A written plan that covers who to call, where shutoffs and key equipment are located, and how to document a loss can speed up recovery when something goes wrong. ServiceMaster Restore also offers pre-loss planning to help commercial property owners prepare for events before they happen.

ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning and Restoration provides commercial mold and water damage restoration for businesses in Reading and the surrounding Southeastern Pennsylvania communities. We are a locally owned and operated team with more than 30 years of experience, backed by a national network with over 65 years in the industry, and we are available 24/7 for emergencies.

Seeing signs of moisture or mold in your Reading office building? Contact ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning and Restoration any time, day or night, for help.